A familiar face in La Grange is replacing departing Trustee Glenn Thompson on the La Grange Village Board.
Steve Palmer, former owner of Palmer Place, the family pub that served patrons at 56 S. La Grange Road for more than four decades, was nominated by village President Mark Kuchler to fill the open seat.
“He’s been very involved in really almost every aspect of the village,” Kuchler said, adding he’s “served on various commissions and boards, both as a professional and a volunteer.”
Kuchler said there wasn’t any one issue that made him choose Palmer, saying “it was his past really. He had more (experience) than anyone else.”
Palmer’s nomination was approved by the Village Board Sept. 14.
Palmer was eager to get started.
“I think I can be of service to the community and the issues that are facing us today,” the longtime La Grange resident said. “You know, obviously the number one issue is flooding. And if you look at the flooding going on worldwide, this is way more of a major issue than just the town of La Grange. But I believe progress has been made.”
Palmer referred to the lawsuit over the owners of the quarry in McCook cutting a stormwater pipeline, a sticking point in solving the flooding problem, which was resolved in the village’s favor.
“I am optimistic,” Palmer said. “Will we ever resolve all flooding issues in La Grange? Absolutely not. Things change, but we can make things better, especially the concerns south of 47th Street. I believe that the board is well on their way to making those things happen, but everything takes time. Everybody wants everything to happen overnight, but sometimes it’s not just days, it’s years.
“We’re in this for the long haul and we wanna make sure that we’re responding to our residents and doing the best we can for them.”
Palmer promised to give all viewpoints fair consideration.
“I can say that I will listen to everyone and do the best I can to make my decisions when I cast my vote for the village of La Grange, for the people, the taxpayers and the residents of the Grange.”
It’s not a responsibility he takes lightly, he said.
“It is not easy to make those decisions. It’s not easy to be the person casting that vote,” he said.
Palmer was selected by Kuchler after a number of other candidates were considered. Five people volunteered to be appointed to the seat, including Palmer, Jonathon Robinson, Madonna Walsh, Al Foreman and Justin Hanson.
At a public forum Sept. 2, which drew about 50 people to Village Hall, each of the prospective appointees was given five minutes to make their case to the public.
Board members attended and were pleased at the turnout.
“I think this is great,” Lou Gale said. “It’s an open forum where people can come and say ‘I’m interested and here’s why I’m interested and here’s what I’m hoping to do if I’m chosen.’”
Beth Augustine noted the unique nature of the forum.
“This is the first time we’ve ever had anything like this that I’m aware of,” she said. “I think it’s exciting and great for the residents to come and hear what they have to say.”
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After Palmer was nominated, Augustine said “I think he would add great value to the board.”
Gale agreed.
“He’s a good choice for La Grange and he has my vote,” he said.
Hank Beckman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.