The new mayor of Morton Grove has been sworn and seated, and one of the first orders of business for Janine Witko was to make an appointment to fill the village trustee seat she vacated in her bid for village president.
At the May 27 Village Board meeting, Witko took the reins of the north suburban town from Daniel DiMaria – who had served more than a decade and decided not to seek another term in the April 1 election.
“I am humbled and excited to accept this challenge, and I look forward to continuing the great progress we have made as a community,” Witko said after being sworn in to her new office.
She was previously a village trustee and ran unopposed for village president, a post also referred to as mayor.
In a village news release, Village Administrator Charles Meyer explained that the swearing in ceremony was attended by local officials, community leaders, residents and Witko’s family members.
Witko has a “long history of civic service in Morton Grove,” the release explains.
Among her appointments was village trustee. DiMaria had tapped her for the spot in 2013 after former Trustee Tony Kalogerakos departed. Before then, over a four-year span, Witko was on the Economic Development Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals and the Plan Commission. She was also on Park View Elementary School PTO.
The new mayor is a longtime Morton Grove resident, coming to the village in 1990 as a teen. Professionally, the DePaul University alum is head of operations at a local company, the release explains.
“With a background in business and extensive experience in economic development and planning projects as a Village official, Mayor Witko brings a results-driven approach to municipal leadership.
She plans to continue and enhance the high level of public services the Village is known for,” according to the release. “Over the past several years, she has played a key role in advancing initiatives that have strengthened the local economy, attracted new businesses, and improved long-term planning. As Mayor, she plans build on this foundation by championing policies that foster business growth and encourage new investment in the Village.”
After being sworn in, Witko moved to appoint Keith White as village trustee to fill the vacancy she created running for mayor.
His appointment was approved, and White was sworn in with incumbent trustees Saba Khan, Ashur Shiba and Connie Travis, and Eileen Scanlon Harford who was reelected village clerk.
White most recently served as chair of the Traffic Safety Commission and was selected by Witko “for his unparalleled commitment to public service and deep roots in the community.”
The release states that Witko sees the revitalization of Dempster Street as a major task
At the Village Board meeting, the departing DiMaria and members of the community congratulated Witko. DiMaria became emotional as he conducted the swearing in, then gave Witko a bear hug and two thumbs up as she affirmed accepting the responsibilities and duties of her new mayoral role.
DiMaria expressed confidence in Witko’s leadership, proclaiming, “I know I’m leaving Morton Grove in great hands.”
