Oak Forest Mayor Out On Medical Leave, City Council Appoints Mayor Pro Tem

​OAK FOREST, IL — Oak Forest officials on Tuesday tapped an alderman to serve as mayor pro tem, as Mayor Jim Hortsman recovers from an undisclosed medical issue.

The Oak Forest City Council appointed 5th Ward Alderman Jim Emmett to the role, the City said in a release.

Emmett will perform mayoral duties, such as presiding over meetings or signing documents, to ensure continuity in government services. Mayor Hortsman is expected to return to duties in early spring.

“Mayor Hortsman is in good spirits,” said City Administrator Moses Amidei. “Although we will keep him informed on daily activities, we want to give him the time and space he needs to fully recover.

"We look forward to having him back at City Hall soon.”