Former Alderman, Well-Wishers in Attendance at City Hall for Transition of Duties
New city manager welcomed, as Tom Borchert is showered in accolades.
Photos
A new employee is often told he or she has big shoes to fill. In the case of Elmhurst's new city manager, those shoes have been on the job for 40 years.
On Monday, Elmhurst said hello to Jim Grabowski, who will replace retiring City Manager Tom Borchert, and also sent Borchert off with praise and affection.
Grabowski is currently village administrator in Minooka, a town about 43 miles southwest of Elmhurst; he previously was assistant village manager in Wheeling. According to Elmhurst Mayor Pete DiCianni, Grabowski was chosen for his economic development experience. He cited a population surge in Minooka and the growth of a “restaurant row” in Wheeling as evidence of Grabowski's experience.
Terms of Grabowski's employment were not immediately available. Current Assistant City Manager and Fire Chief Michael Kopp will serve as interim city manager until Grabowski begins on July 11.
The meeting ended with accolades for Borchert, who has been with the city since 1971. Former Alderman Jan Vanek was there to praise Borchert, saying she learned a lot from him.
“I have the highest regard for Tom,” Vanek said. “He will get the facts, he is truthful, he is a man beyond reproach.”
Second Ward Alderman Norman Leader also had high praise for Borchert.
“This is a man sure in action and wise in counsel. ... His is a well-trained intelligence,” he said.
Third Ward Alderman Michael Bram lauded Borchert's dedication to customer service, and 7th Ward Alderman Mark Mulliner called him a “great coach.”
“He is probably one of the best politicians who was never elected,” DiCianni said.
Third Ward Alderman Dannee Polomsky, who was elected in April, was told by a few residents while on the campaign trail that it was a shame she would not have more time to work with Borchert.
“You're a legend,” she said.
Borchert has said he hopes to work part-time as a consultant, stay active with his church, Yorkfield Presbyterian, and ultimately move to Grand Rapids, Mich., where his four children and six grandchildren live.
“It has been my fortune to be able to help folks have a better way of life,” he said.
Joe O'Malley
11:14 pm on Tuesday, June 7, 2011
According to the screaming accolades listed in the above article, at least someone around here walks on water. Forty years is a long time to work for a single employer. In today's work environment it's unheard of except if you own the company or your fortunate enough to correctly play the game of politics and find a base of exploitation at a publicly funded government agency.
I'm of the belief that most of the resident's of this City wish the former City Manager Godspeed in his well deserved retirement. For the taxpayer though it will be just one more underfunded pension liability on the City books. That's alright. What's another $100k + a year for what will seem like perpetuity of expense to the City?
Solution...just increase property taxes, city fines, utility fees, cell phone taxes, cable TV fees, etc. Don't forget the exhalation of CO2 tax. That should cover things unless I left something out.
So with all those years of blood, sweet, and tears that go along with the job, maybe by Executive City Order and Special Dispensation, the ominous Real Estate Transfer Tax can be waived in this situation.
Now that beats a gold watch!
Bill Angel
11:53 am on Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Joe......you are 100% correct....NO PROBLEM....You should see the new City Managers contract.....Another HUGE pension liability for the SAPP taxpayers of Elmhurst. I really don't think Mr. Borchert likes being called a politician as stated by Petee. Petee is one of the best politicians...Tax, Spend, Threaten to cut services. What about those Com-Ed or cronic flooding issues herre in the 4th ward?
Jim Court
9:01 am on Thursday, June 9, 2011
Being a leader is tough during these difficult economic times. You can never please everyone.
I want our Mayor to succeed as his success equals Elmhurst well-being.
I try to define myself by what I am for, not just what I am against.
What is the general opinion of our leadership and the City as a whole ?
I am curious as to what others think.
Darlene Heslop
12:32 pm on Friday, June 10, 2011
speaking only in terms of the city itself, what is imperative is having independent leadership, transparent government, and more participation from the public. this is what will make elmhust succeed. i really don't want to see elmhurst hurt by the chicago-democrat influences that seem to have creeped into our town in the last 2 years, like the "closed door/back room dealing" that seems to go on. it's disconcerting to see poll watchers on election day that freely state they were brought in from "the city" to "help get people elected"...the manner in which certain alderman are in complete favor of the mayor and who rarely, if ever, vote against anything he wants, while those that vote independently are shunned, to the point of being told "you didn't vote for it so you can't comment... .". what does that say to those residents that are represented by those they elected...you are "second class" since your choice for leadership is independent of the mayor and therefore you don't count? being a leader in difficult times is not about pleasing everyone - it is about making certain that it is never about you...it is always about everyone else.