Board Says Goodbye to 12 Members, Marks End of Era

Members honored for combined 92 years of service to Will County

JOLIET, IL- The November Will County Board meeting marked the last for a dozen members that are either retiring or lost re-election bids.  They represented nearly every district, worked on every committee, and served for a combined 92 years.

“A page is being turned today in the book of Will County government,” said Chairman Jim Moustis.  “We are extremely grateful to each of these individuals and the time they have given and sacrificed in the name of public service.  The county is a better place because of them and their immeasurable contributions.”

The twelve departing board members with their years of service are Katrina Deutsche (D-Crete) with four years, Cory Singer (R-Frankfort) with 10 years, Ann Dralle (R-Bolingbrook) with 14 years, Laurie McPhillips (R-Plainfield) with two years, Edward Kusta, Jr. (R-Bolingbrook) with six years, John Argoudelis (R-Plainfield) with two years, Brain Smith (R-Plainfield) with three years, Sharon May (D-Channahon) with four years, Deborah Rozak (R-Wilmington) with 10 years, Jim Bilotta (R-Lockport) with 10 years, Kathleen Konicki (R-Homer Glen) with 16 years, and Henry Travis (D-Lockport) with 11 years.

“It has been a real honor to work alongside these board members for so many years,” said Minority Leader Walter Adamic (D-Joliet).  “Through it all, everyone had the best interests of Will County residents in mind.  Many thanks go to them and their families for giving of their time and talents to make our county a better place to live.”

One of the reasons for the high turnover this year is because the board redrew district boundaries during the reapportionment process last summer.  Every 10 years, the board must reapportion, so that each member represents approximately the same number of people, and determine the size of the board to be elected and whether members are elected at large or by districts.  Under the old map, 27 members were elected from nine districts.  Under the new map, 26 members were elected from 13 districts.  These changes caused some members to choose retirement while others sought election to different offices.

“After 10 years, I decided the time had come to step aside and give others the chance to govern,” said retiring Majority Leader Jim Bilotta.  “I look forward to seeing Will County continue to grow and prosper under a new group of leaders.”

The new county board will be seated on December 3 during a special reorganization meeting.  Eleven new board members will take the oath of office, while 15 returning members will do the same.

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