Morton Grove certifies April election, installs mayor and clerk, and appoints new trustee

The Village of Morton Grove Board of Trustees on May 27 unanimously approved a resolution certifying the results of the April 1, 2025 consolidated election, administered oaths of office to the newly elected officials and appointed Keith White to fill a trustee vacancy.

The clerk said the Cook County election board had certified the results and presented a resolution for the board to adopt. "The Board of Elections of Cook County, Illinois has proclaimed and this resolution confirms the certification of the newly elected officers," said Village Clerk Eileen Scanlon Harford as she read the document. The board approved Resolution 25-45 by voice vote.

The certification confirmed Janine Witko as village president and Eileen Scanlon Harford as village clerk, along with trustees and library board results reported by the clerk. The resolution recorded total ballots cast in the consolidated election as 2,420 and listed vote totals reported by the Board of Election Commissioners; the clerk presented the certified totals to the board for formal acceptance.

Following the certification, Janine Witko took the oath of office and addressed residents. "My promise to all residents is that I will continue to listen, lead with transparency, and represent you to the very best of my ability every single day," Mayor Janine Witko said.

Witko then moved to fill a village trustee seat. "I believe the best person for this important job is Keith White," the mayor said in announcing the appointment. Trustee Mink moved to concur with the mayor's appointment of Keith White; Trustee Travis seconded. The board voted with the trustees present recorded as voting "aye," and the appointment passed.

Outgoing Mayor Dan DeMaria was thanked during remarks for his service, and newly sworn officials offered brief remarks of appreciation to residents and family members. A representative from Niles Township offered congratulations during public comment.

Discussion versus decision: the clerk's reading and the board's adoption of Resolution 25-45 were formal actions (vote: resolution adopted). The oath-taking of elected officials was a ceremonial but official installation. The mayor's selection of Keith White and the board's concurrence were formal actions recorded by motion and vote. No other policy motions or referrals were taken on these items during the meeting.

The meeting also included routine mayoral remarks noting the upcoming Morton Grove Days event in July and a request for volunteers.