Village council appoints Christine Newman to fill vacancy after candidate presentations

The Village of Saint Charles council filled a council vacancy at its meeting after hearing from three candidates.

Christine Newman, who previously served as village manager and on the village council for many years, told trustees she would not run for the seat in the next election but offered to serve a two‑year interim term to provide institutional knowledge. "I wrote the budget. I wrote grants. I operated grama," Newman said in her remarks, offering experience with municipal procedures and history.

Two other applicants introduced themselves: Willard Watts Jr., who described decades living in the village and a railroad career, and Davin/David Granroth (transcript names vary), an executive at CovenantEyes who said he would press for trustee training and an ethics code.

Trustees discussed the candidates and moved to appoint Newman. The roll-call vote was recorded with Trustee Paul Jenderski voting No and the remaining trustees voting Yes, carrying the appointment.

Council discussion emphasized Newman’s experience and ability to advise on procedural and historical matters. Newman said she did not plan to run for a full term and was offering service for two years.

Next step: Newman will be seated and perform regular trustee duties; any formal policy proposals from her would be subject to standard council procedures and votes.