Villa Park residents challenge board's decisions on manager removal and appointments

In a special meeting held on May 28, 2025, the Villa Park Board of Trustees faced significant community pushback regarding two key resolutions: the removal of Village Manager Matt Harline and the appointment of Michael Rivas as his successor. Residents expressed deep concerns about the transparency and implications of these decisions, highlighting the potential disruption to village operations.

During the meeting, several residents voiced their opposition to Resolution A, which proposed Harline's removal. Christine Murphy, a local resident, emphasized the lack of public discussion surrounding this decision, questioning whether it was made with the community's best interests in mind. She pointed out that Harline had worked diligently to stabilize village operations following a period of high staff turnover, which had already strained resources and affected service delivery.

John Corkery, a former trustee, echoed these sentiments, praising Harline's commitment to the community and urging the board to reconsider their decision. He criticized the board for making choices based on emotions rather than what is beneficial for Villa Park, suggesting that such actions could lead to further instability within the village government.

The discussion also turned to Resolution B, which sought to appoint Michael Rivas as the new village manager. Murphy raised concerns about revisiting Rivas's candidacy, noting that he had previously been deemed unqualified for the role. She argued that the process lacked transparency and did not adequately represent the voices of the residents, which could undermine public trust in the board.

The meeting underscored a growing tension between the board and the community, with residents calling for more inclusive decision-making processes. As the board navigates these contentious issues, the implications for Villa Park's governance and community trust remain significant. The outcome of these resolutions will likely shape the village's leadership and operational stability in the months to come.