Shorewood's Loss is New Lenox's Controversy

Shorewood's loss is New Lenox's gain — unless you listen to the public outcry at Monday's New Lenox Village Board meeting.

Several people questioned the board's decision to hire Shorewood's former economic development director, Nancy Roman (now Nancy Hoehn), which involves allowing her to telecommute from her new home in Texas.

Hoehn left Shorewood to start a new marriage in Texarkana Texas. At her final village meeting for Shorewood, there was no mention of the New Lenox job, only warm wishes for her new life in Texas.

Then, Patch learned she followed former adminstrator Kurt Carroll to New Lenox. Now Hoehn is getting the best of both worlds — liviing with her husband in his home state of Texas while still working for New Lenox.

This did not sit well with a vocal faction of New Lenox residents.

"There are too many people in this community without jobs," said New Lenox resident Darlene Marasco, who called the decision outrageous.

Hoehn came highly recommended from businesses that New Lenox is trying to bring in, according to Mayor Tim Baldermann. He said that economic development is a different type of field, saying that much of Hoehn's work is done via phone and email. 

Plus, the challenges Hoehn faced in Shorewood are similar to what New Lenox is experiencing, he said. Specifically, the rapid growth and construction along a main thoroughfare such as Route 59 in Shorewood and Route 30 in New Lenox.

Both and Patch sites reported this story. Baldermann said that the reporting on this issue has been largely accurate.

Baldermann said he received zero phone calls from the public. He repeatedly criticized commenters who posted lies and misinformation anonymously, calling them cowards.

"Some people have no class," he said.