The Homer Glen Village Board voted Monday to appoint lifelong resident Bart Holzhauser as village trustee, bringing the board up to full strength after two recent resignations.

Holzhauser grew up in the village and moved back to Homer Township and then Homer Glen after graduating from Eastern Illinois University.

“It’s really a great place to live,” said Holzhauser, 51.

He said there are a lot of issues to tackle, including preserving the village’s motto of community and nature in harmony, fighting against the expansion of 143rd Street and standing up for residents who have long complained about high water bills and customer service from Illinois American Water.

He said ensuring residents are not victims of price gouging on their water bills is one of the top challenges, adding some residents have bills that are unaffordable.

“Water is a God-given right,” Holzhauser said.

Holzhauser, who is married with three daughters, is a business representative for the technical engineering division of Plumbers Local 130 and has an extensive background in construction. He has worked with utility companies and government agencies such as the Illinois Tollway and the Illinois Department of Transportation.

He said he understand building codes and specifications required to complete projects on time, safely and under budget.

He said residents want village leaders to preserve and protect their quality of life through responsible development and sound fiscal management and to maintain the village’s open space and rural character.

Holzhauser will serve through May 2027.

The Homer Glen Village Board this spring had two resignations, including Craig McNaughton, who resigned in April due to conflicts with work, and Sue Steilen, who resigned in May after she was elected Homer Township supervisor. Both of their terms ended in 2027.

Last month, the board approved the appointment of Robert Schaller, the former Willowbrook police chief, to fill a vacancy.

Trustee Rose Reynders, the board’s longest serving trustee, said she is excited about the new appointments.

“Everybody brings something a little different to the table,” said Reynders, who was reelected in April. “We are all working together for one common goal, which is what’s best for the residents and what’s best for the village.”

She said they feel a camaraderie, as though they have been longtime friends, and said it is “like a breath of fresh air” after recent political infighting.

“It’s all for the community,” Reynders said. “It’s not about us, and everyone has that same mindset.”

Mayor Christina Neitzke-Troike said she appreciated Holzhauser’s knowledge of village issues during the interview process and willingness to work on the concerns with Illinois American Water.

“I think we have a solid team,” Neitzke-Troike said. “We have common goals to fight for this village.”

Reynders said the village received a lot of interest from residents interested in serving and encouraged applicants to continue supporting the village through serving on committees or volunteering at village events.

Michelle Mullins is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.