Story posted Thursday, November 12, 2009
Clegg Named To Council
By RICHARD MAYER Assistant Managing Editor
Palatine Mayor Jim Schwantz appointed James Clegg to the village council Monday night, replacing Dist. 3 Councilman Dan Varroney, who is relocating to Washington, D.C., for occupational purposes.
Varroney said his resignation will be effective Jan. 4, 2010. At that time, Clegg, 62, will be officially sworn in. Varroney's current four-year term expires on May 1, 2011.
Schwantz said five people interviewed for the position.
"All five were qualified and it was a difficult decision, because they were all were very well presented," said Schwantz. "But from my comfort level, his (Clegg) history and knowledge of Dist. 3 and being involved in advisory boards and the Zoning Board of Appeals and his background in corporate life is just a real nice fit."
Schwantz said he asked Clegg numerous questions during the interview about the district. He said Clegg understood the role of councilman from the beginning.
Clegg said he decided to apply for the vacant position because he is on the district's advisory committee, which allows residents to come together to talk about issues.
"I have lived in Palatine for 27 years and have been very active in the community and wanted to serve," said Clegg.
During his 16 months on the council, Clegg said he wants to generate more business in Palatine, especially along the Dundee Road corridor, and develop a bigger tax base. He also said he wants to reach out to residents to ensure they have a voice in government.
"I watch the meetings at home and even participated in some from a resident's perspective," said Clegg.
Clegg said once this term expires, he intends to run for a full four-year term.
Clegg is married with two adult children, who attended Palatine High School. He has also been co-chair for Relay for Life Palatine-Rolling Meadows-Inverness for the past two years.
Professionally, Clegg is director of business development at Northrop Grumman Corp. in Rolling Meadows, a leading global security company that provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide.
Clegg said he has been a program manager there for 20 years and has run multi-million dollar programs and is currently assisting in the company's long-range strategic planning.
"I think the key thing is to have a seamless transition," said Clegg. "Dan and I have been friends for a long time and my intention is to provide the same service he has for the last 19 years."
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