New Huntley Trustee Sworn onto Board

Ron Hahn has seen a lot in his 30 years as a Huntley plan commissioner.

He has helped herald in Huntley’s growth by overseeing the dozens of developments, both residential and business, which have changed the town’s landscape.

Now, he’ll play a bigger role in Huntley’s future.

Hahn was appointed to the village board Thursday, filling a space vacated by former Trustee Paul Mercer.

“Everyone knows him. He stepped forward 30 years ago and he stepped forward this time too. I think he will make a good trustee for the board,” Mayor Charles Sass said.

Village trustees unanimously approved Hahn’s appointment and he was sworn in Thursday night, promptly voting on Huntley revised land use plan.

Thursday’s vote was a stark contrast to the reaction trustees had earlier this month to Sass’s first appointment. Sass named former Trustee Jay Kadoka to the board but trustees voted against the appointment. Kadakia came in fourth in the April municipal elections. Several trustees said they felt voters had spoken and did not want to appoint someone who was voted out of office.

The reception Hahn received was much different.

Trustee John Piwko said he worked with Hahn on the plan commission and agreed with Sass that Hahn is a “great guy.”

“I’d like to welcome Ron to the board,” Trustee Harry Leopold said.

“I have an immense amount of respect for him, he’s knowledgeable and does the right thing,” Trustee Pam Fender said. “I am very happy to have him on the board.”

Hahn thanked trustees for their vote of support and his appointment.

He moved into town with his wife and two children in 1976. He joined the plan commission in 1979.

“I’ve seen Huntley grow from 1,000 people to a very big community,” said Hahn, who served as chairman of the planning commission. “We saw a lot of stuff on the plan commission before it even came to the village board. Some (proposals) didn’t make it to the board.”

Some of the projects he is excited about is the Route 47 widening and the Route 47 and Interstate 90 full interchange, expected to begin construction in May 2012.

Hahn became interested in joining the board because “I just wanted an opportunity to get involved from a different perspective,” he said.

As a trustee, he’d like to see Huntley retain its country charm but see it prosper too, he said.