Hello, Goodbye: Village Board Swears in New Members

The phrase “thank you” abounded Monday night as the La Grange Village Board said goodbye to its retiring members, including President Liz Asperger, and welcomed three new faces.

Clerk Tom Morsch and Trustee Mike Horvath left the board with Asperger, while Tom Livingston, John Burns and David McCarty were sworn in alongside trustees Bill Holder and Mark Langan, who were re-elected in April.

Asperger reminisced about all the people who have played a role during her roughly 20 years of service on various La Grange committees and boards, giving special thanks to the village employees.

“These are the people that make La Grange great,” she said. “These are the people that make La Grange the envy of everyone around us.”

Al Banks, with the Davis Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church, said during the public comment period that he and Asperger spoke a few years ago of a common habit—never leaving the house without making the bed.

“I would like to say that President Asperger, you are leaving the house, and your bed is made, and it’s a job well done,” he said.

Morsch, who also has a long history of service to the village, is credited with bringing the Pledge of Allegiance to La Grange Village Board meetings.

“Everyone has someone they wish they met earlier in life because they are such an incredible human being,” Trustee Jeff Nowak said to Morsch. “You are that person for me.”

Several community members shared their gratitude to Horvath, who lost his bid for re-election.

Steve Wolf, speaking for both himself and his wife, Barb, said they were thankful for all the trustees.

“But Mike Horvath, you were just a great trustee,” he said. “You made residents feel like they were important. You listened to them. I just want to say thanks. I hope the incoming trustees are as good as you were.”

The next Village Board meeting is scheduled for June 10.

“We will be ready,” new Board President Livingston said. “And we look forward to building on the strengths of this great village.”

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