Western Springs Board Corrects Mistake

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL — Longtime Western Springs resident Scott Lewis had to swear in Monday for a second time as a village trustee. Last week was the first time.

After his first swearing-in, Western Springs Patch asked Village President Alice Gallagher why the board failed to hold the required vote on Lewis' appointment before he took the oath of office. In response, she acknowledged the board should have voted on Lewis' appointment, saying it was "not a valid process."

On Monday, the board voted unanimously for Lewis, a retired Nicor executive. Lewis noted that President Barack Obama swore in twice in 2009 because Chief Justice John Roberts read the oath wrong. "So we're in good company," Lewis said.

Gallagher took the moment in stride.

"Once again, welcome to the board," she told Lewis. "It is my sincere hope that your appointment to this board is the most difficult problem you will face during your tenure as a trustee, but don't bet on it."

Monday's board meeting was held just to correct the mistake.

In an interview last week, Gallagher said the vote "slipped through the cracks with everything else that is going on." She noted it was the first meeting that the village used the Zoom video conferencing program, with most officials connected from home.

Lewis voted on a number of issues after he swore in last week, but Gallagher said his votes technically did not count, given that he was not a trustee. Removal of his votes would not make a difference in the outcomes.

Lewis and his wife, Ann, live in the Field Park neighborhood. They have two grown daughters, who both live in Milwaukee.

Lewis replaces William Siffermann, who died March 19. Siffermann was elected to the board in May 2017.

Lewis' term lasts until May 2021.