La Grange Leader Gives Departure Date

LA GRANGE, IL — La Grange Village President Tom Livingston announced a month ago that he was leaving within the first quarter, but he did not give a specific date. On Monday, he told the village board he would resign after regular business at the next board meeting, which is Feb. 24.

After the village board conducts its business, Livingston said, it would then proceed to vote on a new village president. When he announced his plans last month, Livingston recommended the senior trustee, Mark Kuchler, take his place. His replacement would fill the vacancy until the April 2021 election.

Kuchler couldn't be reached for immediate comment Tuesday.

At the Jan. 13 meeting, Livingston began with the news of his pending departure. He cited the pressing responsibilities of his new full-time position. Livingston had previously headed government relations for CSX Transportation for the Midwest. Now, he is in charge of the railroad company's entire service area, which is a big increase in responsibility, Livingston said.

Livingston joined the village board of trustees in 2003. He left in 2011 to focus on being the chairman of both the Civic Federation of Chicago and the University of Illinois Alumni Association. In 2013, he was elected village president. "This has been an epic run," he told the board last month.