During his first board meeting as Lansing mayor, Brian Hardy hit the ground running, taking actions that included firing the village’s public works director and hiring someone new.
Hardy told the Daily Southtown his decision to cast aside Gary Richardson in favor of Earl O’Neal aids in his goal to pull the village in a new direction. He said Richardson’s contract was up and he’s known O’Neal for several years.
“I know his background. I know the way that he presents himself,” Hardy said. “He’s all about transparency. He’s all about listening to staff and all of that.”
Hardy would not disclose any particular gripes with Richardson but said he believes O’Neal will be more proactive in ensuring the department is fully staffed and employees are well trained. The village said in a statement that O’Neal is not Richardson’s replacement, but is “currently overseeing operations.”
“Just time for a change of direction, that’s all,” Hardy said.
Richardson was hired as public works director in 2019 by former Lansing Mayor Patty Eidam with a salary of about $115,000. Eidam was elected Lansing’s first female mayor in 2017 and stepped out of the role this year due to term limits.
O’Neal took control of the Public Works Department May 12 and will make $70,000 annually, according to the village.
Under state statute, the mayor may remove any appointed official whenever he or she “is of the opinion that the interests of the municipality demand removal.” The statute requires the mayor to report the reasons for the removal at a meeting between five and 10 days after the removal.
Hardy told the board May 20 he does “not have confidence in his ability to carry forward and implement the policies of this administration.”
“In evaluating the evolving needs for the role and direction in which the Village is heading, I have determined that Mr. Richardson’s performance does not align with the direction of the Village moving forward under my administration,” Hardy wrote in the report.
The Lansing Village Board votes to remove Gary Richardson as public works director May 20, 2025. (Olivia Stevens/Daily Southtown)
When asked about other potential personnel changes, Hardy said “the door’s always open.”
“But for right now, I’m enjoying working with our department heads and staff,” Hardy said. “I’ve just been in office for two weeks, and I’m learning a whole lot.”
Hardy also appointed Lionel “Leo” Valencia, a former trustee, to return to the board to fill the seat of Maureen Grady-Perovich. Grady-Perovich was elected village clerk this year, vacating her trustee position.
Other projects underway include replacing the hangar doors at the Lansing Municipal Airport.
The site for the Lansing Municipal Airport was purchased in 1925 by automotive innovator Henry Ford, who was foraying into aircraft such as the Ford Trimotor. The village purchased the airport in 1976. (Alexandra Kukulka/Daily Southtown)
Village Administrator Dan Podgorski said the doors were in rough shape and don’t open without mechanical assistance.
The $737,000 project can be almost entirely covered by funds provided by former President Joe Biden’s federal infrastructure law, with Metropolitan Corporation hired as contractor, officials said.
The village will cover about $14,500, with the proposal expected to be on the agenda for the next board meeting on June 3.
ostevens@chicagotribune.com
