La Grange Gets Called Mayberry: Official

LA GRANGE, IL — David McCarty knows more than his fair share about La Grange's village government, and his colleagues say he is known for his blunt statements.

McCarty, an architect, has been on the Village Board for the last eight years. And before that, he served on village committees for three decades.

On Monday, village officials bade him farewell, as he did not seek another term in April's election.

In his final speech as a trustee, McCarty spoke about what he sees as the importance of zoning, taxes and housing development near public transportation.

"Strong zoning protects the unique fabric of our community," McCarty said. "Please keep an eye on lot coverage and impervious surfaces. Every drop matters."

And he then said something that few politicians would utter: "Taxes are good. They pave our streets and keep our sewers working, and they are far more fair than fees and fines."

He also told the board not to be afraid to sell off parking lots.

"Our transit rich location is not just an opportunity; it is a responsibility," McCarty said. "We need to do more to help the region reduce the carbon footprint. New residents and transit-oriented development are far better in the long run for village businesses and the tax base than parking lots."

In response, Village President Mark Kuchler told McCarty, "A few months ago, I was quoted in the paper saying, 'Well said, Trustee McCarty.' I'll say it again, 'Well said, Trustee McCarty.'"

Kuchler was referring to McCarty's February statement criticizing former President Donald Trump and the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol.

In his last speech as a trustee, Bill Holder, who has served since 2009, said La Grange has come a long way over the last three decades.

"The first time I came downtown, a third of the village was boarded up in 1990 because we had some hard times and some big tenants had moved out," Holder said. "I went home to tell my new bride, 'Oh my God, I think we have moved into a dying town.' Boy was I wrong."

He told his colleagues never to forget the "essential character" of La Grange.

"Never sacrifice it or dilute it for money," he said. "We get called Mayberry. We've also been called the best downtown in the Chicago suburbs, the best residential commuter location in the Chicago suburbs, the best restaurant district."

As an example of La Grange's character, Holder cited the board's decision in 2019 to ban recreational marijuana sales. It was a split vote.

"When it's right for us, we'll do it our way," he said. "We do it the right way."

The village swore in two new trustees, Peggy Peterson and Mike Matteucci. They ran unopposed in the April 6 election.

Paul Saladino is the new village clerk. He replaces John Burns, who did not run for another term.