Westmont Deputy Mayor Gunter receives lifetime chamber membership at State of Village event

The Village of Westmont, Illinois, held its 2025 State of the Village Address on May 23, highlighting significant community achievements and leadership transitions. Retired Mayor Ron Gunter, now serving as Deputy Mayor, reflected on his 12 years of service, emphasizing the collaborative efforts of the village board and the importance of community volunteers.

Gunter noted that under his leadership, the village made substantial progress without raising property taxes. Key projects included improvements to roads and stormwater management, as well as the development of a new Public Works building. He highlighted the success of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) initiatives, particularly the downtown TIF with Quincy Station as an anchor, which has begun to gain momentum.

The Deputy Mayor praised the village's police and fire departments for achieving accreditation and mentioned the village's strong financial standing, with a double-A plus bond rating. He expressed gratitude for the teamwork among trustees, stating that the current board has worked exceptionally well together, fostering a spirit of cooperation that benefits the community.

Gunter also acknowledged the vital role of volunteers in Westmont, stating that the community's numerous events are made possible through the dedication of local organizations and individuals. He expressed optimism for continued improvements under the leadership of Mayor Steve Nero, who was introduced following Gunter's remarks.

In a ceremonial moment, both Gunter and Steve May received lifetime honorary memberships from the Westmont Chamber of Commerce, recognizing their long-standing contributions to the community and the chamber.

Mayor Nero, stepping into his new role, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and emphasized the importance of revitalizing the State of the Village program. The meeting underscored a commitment to ongoing community development and collaboration as Westmont looks to the future.