Staackmann, Gomberg Honored In Morton Grove

Morton Grove residents applauded outgoing Mayor Dan Staackmann and Trustee Larry Gomberg at the May 13 meeting, in which they stepped down from office.

The meeting started with Staackmann in place as mayor, and as the trustees gave their reports, Trustee Shel Marcus said, "I do want to congratulate Larry Gomberg. Larry has served the community well in many ways." 

He added he hoped Gomberg would continue his involvement in the community.

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Marcus also saluted Staackmann, saying he served the community well in many ways.

"When he was elected in 2009, the economy was in terrible condition. Communities were suffering and under Dan's leadership during this difficult time...services were maintained and we didn't raise property taxes." 

He credited Staackmann for that and thanked him.

Morton Grove Fire Department Chief Tom Friel made a short presentation saying that, in the chaotic ballet that is the fighting of a fire, firefighters always know the person in the white helmet is directing the action. He presented Staackmann with a custom-designed white helmet inscribed "mayor."

Morton Grove Police Department Chief Mark Erickson also made a presentation, thanking Staackmann. He also thanked Gomberg for his service as the police liaison on the board.

Staackmann responded that the community has to develop an adequate police station for the police department.

"We really need to get a home for the Morton Grove Police Department that befits the Morton Grove Police Department," he said. "The community needs to step up to the plate, work with this board and decide what they're going to do.

"We can't put this off much longer."

Staackmann also thanked Rep. John D'Amico, who was present, and Rep. Lou Lang, who sent a representative, for their work getting state funding for the Dempster Street road project after the funding had been yanked.

"We'd been waiting for that for twenty-some years," Staackmann said.

After new Mayor Dan DiMaria was sworn in, he also acknowledged Staackmann and Gomberg and the many previous office-holders in the room. 

"You've heard me say let's move forward. You can't move forward unless you're on stable ground," he said, thanking the previous officials.

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