Decal Township interviews five candidates and defers trustee appointment to July 21

The Decal Township Board of Trustees interviewed candidates for a trustee vacancy at its June 16 meeting and then recessed to executive session to discuss the appointment. Outside counsel Brandywance of the firm Mukaski Rogers and Mardle facilitated the interview process, which allotted three to five minutes per applicant.

Candidates who addressed the board included Richard Avaria, who cited 30 years of public-service experience with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and said he would bring oversight and accountability to the trustee role; Brick Shiloh Williams, a lifelong Decal resident and recent NIU graduate who emphasized research and public-service experience; Dave Andrews, a long-term resident with corporate and nonprofit experience who said his priorities are financial stability, community engagement and dignity; and Matthew Adson, who described economics training, public-administration study and local procurement and data skills. Mon'nique submitted a written letter of interest and could not attend the meeting in person.

After hearing applicants, the board moved to enter executive session under the statutory provision cited on the record to discuss the appointment. When trustees reconvened at 7:09 p.m., the supervisor said no appointment would be made that evening. Trustees asked applicants to submit any additional materials by July 10 so the board could consider them ahead of its next regular meeting, scheduled for July 21 at 6 p.m.

What happens next: The board will review submitted materials and announced it intends to make the appointment — if any — at the July 21 regular meeting. No vote or appointment occurred at the June 16 meeting.