The La Grange Village Board has expressed its gratitude to Trustee Glenn Thompson through a Resolution of Appreciation. He resigned on July 31 because he accepted a new job offer in Florida. Thompson had contributed significantly to local affairs, having been a part of the village’s Environmental Quality Commission and a founding member of Dry Up La Grange, an initiative started after the 2021 flooding.
Thompson explained the unexpected nature of his new role. “This was something that was not planned,” he said. “An opportunity appeared that developed into a full-time offer I couldn’t refuse. … It was just too good to pass up.”
Initially, Thompson considered commuting between La Grange and Florida, but the burden was too great. He recounted his path to becoming a trustee. During the 2021 flood, his wife noticed the increasing concerns on Facebook. Citizens expressed their dissatisfaction, evident in the significant turnout at subsequent board meetings amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The room was packed with obviously angry citizens, their homes had been ravaged, and at that point, the anger was really aimed at the quarry,
Thompson said, referring to the legal battle with Hansen Quarry over drainage rights along 50th Street. Within six weeks, about 1,000 families were either involved on Facebook, a mailing list, or in meetings.
The village successfully sued the quarry operators in 2023 over property issues related to pipeline drainage. Dry Up La Grange then became influential, collaborating with Congressman Sean Casten’s staff and county officials to address flooding.
Village President Mark Kuchler opted to incorporate flooding concerns into the Environmental Quality Commission’s responsibilities. With Thompson’s active role in Dry Up La Grange, Kuchler appointed him to the commission.
Thompson mentioned their accomplishment of pushing through the overhead sewer backflow preventer program with the Village Board.
As election season arrived, there was a two-year term available. Kuchler encouraged Thompson to run, saying, ‘you’ve got the connections, and your connections can help us.’ This led to Thompson joining the board.
Reflecting on his tenure, Thompson felt proud of his contributions, particularly regarding the 50th Street project. “I’m most proud of the fact that we were able to put pressure and work together as a community in Dry Up La Grange,” he stated. This was intertwined with the successful legal case against the quarry.
Although the decision to leave was difficult, Thompson expressed only one regret: having to resign. As for his replacement, he noted there is a list of volunteers and mentioned having suggested names to Kuchler, who will make the final decision.
Reporter Hank Beckman of Pioneer Press provided these insights.