Village Appoints New Trustee

A month after the death of longtime trustee, 85, the village filled the void he left as Mayor John Noak appointed Senior Commission member Ken Griffin to serve the remainder of McCartan’s term.

Though he’s more than two decades younger than his predecessor, Griffin has something in common with the beloved trustee, who served for 20 years and was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Navy and Marines.

“I believe I’m the only veteran (on the board),” Griffin said shortly after being sworn in Monday night. “ … And I think I’m the only senior citizen, too.”

To accept his new post, Griffin had to step down from his position on the village’s , but said he’ll still be a voice for local seniors.

“I look upon myself as an advocate for seniors on the board,” he said.

The 63-year-old is a veteran of the U.S. Navy and served during the Vietnam War.

“A veteran’s voice is a very pivotal voice that I think needs to be heard on the board,” Noak said.

Before announcing Griffin’s appointment, Noak paid tribute to McCartan, who served on the board from 1971-75 before being re-elected in 1995.

“I don’t think we’re ever going to have someone like Doc McCartan,” he said. “He was a unique individual. We were blessed to have him all the years we had him.”

Griffin is retired from a job with AT&T and works as a substitute teacher for and Plainfield schools. He said he became a member of the Senior Commission last fall after seeking out ways to serve the village.

“As a retired person, I really believe in giving back,” he said.

His role with the village isn’t the only way Griffin is involved in the community. A founding member of the Romeoville Lions Club, Griffin also is also a member of the Grand Haven Civic Club and the Romeoville American Legion. He and his wife, Jan, have lived in the village since 2004.

“If you see my wife and I … at the store or at church, please come up and say hi,” Griffin said as he addressed the community for the first time on Monday. “Because I guess I work for you now.”

Griffin will serve out the rest of McCartan’s term, which expires in April. He is seeking re-election at theas part of the Romeoville First ticket.