The Homer Township Board voted Tuesday to appoint Michael Clausen, who lost election to the Lockport High School District 205 Board April 4, as township collector.
Clausen ran as part of the We the Parents Illinois slate and came in fifth in an eight-person race for the school board, according to unofficial results from the Will County clerk’s office. The April 4 election results won’t be official until April 25.
Township Supervisor Steve Balich said Clausen was selected for his commitment to the community and construction background.
The township is interested in creating a civic center or community center on the Trantina Farm property where seniors, nonprofit groups and youth organizations could meet, Balich said. He said Clausen’s construction knowledge would be an asset planning the project.
The vacancy came as Collector Angel Shake was appointed to a township trustee vacancy created by the resignation of Trustee Mark Gawron, due to new employment that affects the time he would be able to serve, Balich said.
Gawron was elected collector in 2021, but was moved to trustee last April when Trustee Angela Adolf resigned due to personal conflicts with her job and family.
Balich said it is common for the collector, an unpaid position, to be named trustee when a vacancy arises, and praised both Gawron and Adolf for their service.
Trustee Mike Bonomo said it is difficult to see Gawron leave and called him a “tremendous asset” to the board.
Shake, who has been a volunteer with the township’s senior committee, said she will continue to work with the seniors as well as get a new Special Needs Committee started. She said she hopes to work in conjunction with the village of Homer Glen’s Ability Awareness Committee and find ways to improve services for adults with special needs.
Michelle Mullins is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
