Trustee Glenn Thompson Resigns Following Job Offer in Florida

The La Grange Village Board has approved a Resolution of Appreciation for Trustee Glenn Thompson, who resigned from his position after accepting a job offer in Florida. Thompson, who stepped down on July 31, had been involved with the village’s Environmental Quality Commission and was instrumental in founding Dry Up La Grange, a citizen’s group formed after a severe flooding event in 2021.

While discussing his new job, Thompson described the opportunity as unexpected, stating it was ‘too good to pass up.’ He considered commuting between La Grange and Florida but deemed it impractical, choosing to relocate instead.

Reflecting on his path to becoming a trustee, Thompson noted the impact of the 2021 flood on community engagement. ‘When the flood occurred, my wife noticed the conversations happening on Facebook,’ Thompson said. ‘People were voicing their frustrations, and our basement experienced minor flooding.’

The flood prompted a packed board meeting despite the COVID-19 pandemic, with citizens expressing anger towards Hansen Quarry amid a legal dispute over drainage pipes. Thompson highlighted the swift community response, with around 1,000 families engaging through social media and meetings.

In 2023, the village successfully sued the quarry operators over pipeline rights. Through Dry Up La Grange, residents pushed for governmental focus on flooding issues, engaging with Congressman Sean Casten’s staff and county officials. Village President Mark Kuchler proposed expanding the Environmental Quality Commission’s responsibilities to include flooding, appointing Thompson to lead this effort.

Thompson recounted initiating the overhead sewer backflow preventer program and described his path to the Village Board. ‘With election time approaching and a two-year term available, Mark encouraged me to run,’ he explained.

Thompson expressed pride in working with Dry Up La Grange to advance the 50th Street project and acknowledged the village’s victory in their quarry litigation. Despite his achievements, Thompson regretted leaving his position. He mentioned uncertainty regarding his replacement but noted he had suggested candidates to Kuchler.

Ultimately, Thompson emphasized Kuchler’s authority in the appointment process, stating candidates would need to run again in 2027. Hank Beckman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.