Vernon Hills swears in trustees as Tom Cook Jr. takes office as village president

Tom Cook Jr. was sworn in as village president and several newly elected trustees took their oaths at the Village of Vernon Hills board meeting on May 4, 2025. The board temporarily adjourned so officials could be sworn in and reconvened after the oath ceremony.

At the dais, Cook recited the oath required for office, stating, “And I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of village president.” New trustees sworn in included Monica (trustee-elect), Michael Shane and Craig Takaoka, who was sworn for a third term. The swearing-in ceremony was followed by congratulations and brief remarks from current trustees.

Incoming President Cook used his opening remarks to thank outgoing leadership and village staff and to outline priorities. He praised the police and public works departments and referenced the community ranking noted in a local article, saying the village would work to maintain its standing. Earlier ceremonial remarks also included thanks to long-serving officials and a plan — discussed by board members — to name the village hall in honor of the outgoing longtime mayor.

The board then read three proclamations: May 2025 as Teacher Appreciation observance, May 11–17 as Police Week with May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day, and May 18–24 as National Public Works Week. The proclamations recognized local educators, law-enforcement personnel, and public-works staff for their roles in the community.

The meeting moved on to routine and new business after the ceremonial matters.