La Grange Trustee Resigns After New Job Opportunity in Florida

The La Grange Village Board has expressed their gratitude through a Resolution of Appreciation for Trustee Glenn Thompson. His term ended early as he accepted a new job offer in Florida, and he officially resigned on July 31. Thompson had previously contributed as a member of the village’s Environmental Quality Commission and was instrumental in establishing Dry Up La Grange. This group aimed to tackle the severe flooding the village faced in 2021.

On his unexpected job offer, Thompson said, “This was something that was not planned. It blossomed into a full-time role to the point where they made me an offer I could not refuse. … It was just too good to pass up.” Although he considered commuting between La Grange and Florida, he found it impractical and chose relocation instead.

Thompson shared insights into how he became a trustee. “When the flood of 2021 occurred, my wife was watching the comments back and forth on Facebook,” he explained. “People were complaining and we had a slight backup in our basement.” Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, many citizens attended the next board meeting, frustrated with the quarry’s handling of drainage issues. The regular citizen participation motivated the formation of Dry Up La Grange. Over six weeks, approximately 1,000 families engaged through Facebook and mailing lists.

In 2023, La Grange successfully sued quarry operators for severing the village’s pipeline on disputed property. Thompson mentioned that meetings with Congressman Sean Casten’s staff and county officials advocated for a dedicated government group to address flooding. However, village President Mark Kuchler included it under the Environmental Quality Commission’s responsibilities and appointed Thompson to the commission.

“We were able to get the overhead sewer back flow preventer program pushed through (the Village Board),” Thompson remarked. With an upcoming two-year term election, Kuchler suggested Thompson run for the Village Board due to his valuable connections.

Highlighting his achievements, Thompson stated, “I’m most proud of… the 50th Street project finally trying to get to construction, between Dry Up La Grange meetings with MWRD and officials and trying to get the funding for that and the village finally winning their quarry case.”

Expressing a single regret, Thompson shared, “My regret is that I’m actually having to give it up. It was a tough decision giving up my position.” Regarding his successor, Thompson noted contributions from a volunteer list and shared suggestions with Kuchler, though the final decision rests with him. The successor will have to run again in 2027.

Hank Beckman reports for Pioneer Press as a freelance journalist.