The Village Clerk/Collector

What happened at the Village Board meeting on February 7, 2008.

I’ve been asked so many times the same questions concerning the direction from the Village Board that I’ve decided to make my statement public.

When the Village voted to implement a Manager form of government during the Lou Barone period (early 80’s) it was decided that there was a need to have an elected official available in the Village Hall. That person was Sonya Crawshaw, and she was the Village Clerk and subsequently appointed Collector. In essence, her appointment as Collector made the Village Clerk a de facto full time position giving the Village administration the benefit of having the Clerk at the Village Hall each day conducting business. When Sonya became Village President and Sherry was elected Clerk, Sonya directed the Village Manager, Dennis Dawson to appoint Sherry as the Village Collector. Sherry retained the position under Irv Bock and during the temporary term of Trustee Packham. During Sherry’s 23 year tenure she has served the residents of Hanover Park with integrity. Everyone in town knows and respects her work. Sherry has been the “go to” person in town for many businesses, new residents, and for those who just want to talk to an elected official for some guidance and support.

Following the business portion of the February 7th meeting, when Trustee’s have an opportunity to share information, offer opinions, or congratulate staff and colleagues, Trustee Kaiser made a motion to eliminate the Collector position. It was seconded by Trustee Packham and a vote of the Trustee’s was taken. All Trustees voted to eliminate the position, although our newest Trustee Carter misunderstood the intent. There was no agenda item to eliminate the position, there was not any discussion, nor was there any plan from the Village Staff to eliminate the position. It took less than a minute, it was brutal, vindictive, and without merit.

So, after 23 years of service, Sherry had to record the minutes of a vote to eliminate her position. In less than a minute, her career was abolished by the majority that controls the Board of Trustees of Hanover Park. On February 21, 2008 at 7:30 PM, the Village Board will represent the values of the residents by approving an Ordinance to eliminate the Collector. Sherry Craig is someone we all trusted for information, understanding, and assistance will no longer be available. I hope you will take a minute, when paying your water bill to wish her well prior to her departure.
Rodney S. Craig