La Grange Trustee Glenn Thompson Resigns, Receives Recognition

The La Grange Village Board has passed a Resolution of Appreciation for Trustee Glenn Thompson, following his early departure to pursue a job opportunity in Florida. Thompson’s resignation took effect on July 31. Previously, he contributed to the Environmental Quality Commission and co-founded Dry Up La Grange, which emerged after the substantial flooding in 2021.

Thompson described his new job as an unexpected opportunity that evolved into an appealing offer. He decided against the strenuous travel between La Grange and Florida, opting instead to relocate.

“This was something that was not planned,” Thompson stated about his job transition. “It was an opportunity that just kind of came out of the blue that blossomed into being a full-time role to the point where they made me an offer I could not refuse.”

His journey as a trustee began after his involvement with local flood-related issues. In 2021, his home faced minor flooding, prompting him and his wife to engage with citizen concerns on social media.

The next board meeting saw a large turnout of distressed citizens impacted by flooding, leading to heightened tensions directed at the quarry. The legal dispute with Hansen Quarry regarding drainage pipes escalated.

The Dry Up La Grange group mobilized over 1,000 families online and through meetings. Their advocacy culminated in the village’s triumph over the quarry operators in a 2023 lawsuit.

As Dry Up La Grange gained influence, collaboration with political offices and local authorities spotlighted the necessity for a government focus on flooding. La Grange Village President Mark Kuchler integrated this objective into the Environmental Quality Commission.

Kuchler later appointed Thompson to the commission, leveraging his network to push initiatives such as the overhead sewer backflow preventer program. Encouraged by Kuchler, Thompson ran for the Village Board, aiming to further impact flood-related projects.

“We were able to get the overhead sewer backflow preventer program pushed through,” Thompson noted about his board achievements. “I’m most proud of the fact that we were able to put pressure as a community in Dry Up La Grange to see the 50th Street project hopefully reach construction.”

On reflecting about leaving, Thompson expressed regret about resigning, acknowledging the impending appointment of a successor by Kuchler. Suggestions for his replacement have been made, although the final decision rests with Kuchler.

As Thompson moves forward, his commitment to La Grange remains evident through his contributions to addressing its flooding challenges.