Trustee Glenn Thompson’s Resignation and Legacy in La Grange

Trustee Glenn Thompson’s term on the La Grange Village Board ended early as he accepted a job in Florida. His resignation became official on July 31. Previously, Thompson served on the village’s Environmental Quality Commission and co-founded Dry Up La Grange, a group formed after major flooding in 2021.

Thompson described his new job offer as unexpected and irresistible. He considered commuting between La Grange and Florida but decided the relocation was necessary. He recalled how the impact of the 2021 flood prompted his active participation in local governance.

His involvement began when his wife noticed community discussions on Facebook about the flood. Many residents, including Thompson, experienced basement flooding. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, many citizens showed up at a subsequent board meeting, expressing frustration with property damage.

“The room was packed with obviously angry citizens…”

These citizens blamed the quarry due to drainage pipe issues related to ongoing legal disputes. In response, Dry Up La Grange quickly grew, engaging around 1,000 families through social media and meetings. Their advocacy led to a successful 2023 lawsuit against the quarry operators over disrupted village pipelines.

The group’s involvement accelerated after discussions with Congressman Sean Casten’s staff and county officials. Village President Mark Kuchler suggested addressing flood management within the village’s Environmental Quality Commission. Recognizing Thompson’s leadership in Dry Up La Grange, Kuchler appointed him to the Commission.

Thompson proudly cited achievements, such as advancing the overhead sewer backflow prevention program through the Village Board. This program emerged as election time approached with a two-year board term available, leading Kuchler to suggest Thompson run for the Village Board.

Reflecting on board successes, Thompson highlighted progress on the 50th Street drainage project, supported by Dry Up La Grange’s efforts and funding from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. The village’s legal victory over the quarry supported these advancements.

Although Thompson regretted resigning, he suggested potential board replacements to Kuchler, emphasizing that any new appointment would face re-election in 2027.