Villa Park City Council member Vince Rossini was unanimously elected as the city’s new mayor by his peers on Tuesday, December 5th. However, the selection of Rossini as the city’s new mayor wasn’t without a moment of intrigue.
The mayoral selection process started off with public support for both Rossini and Robbie Pitts followed by council member discussions on the matter. For a while it appeared that the new City Council members were going to be faced with a difficult decision and that the divisiness from the previous council might spill over into the new term. However, in a surprise move, Pitts nominated Rossini for mayor and in one magnanimous gesture appeared to set the tone for the new City Council. Council member Chad Zimmerman was quick to comment that he’d “I’d like to recognize that is true leadership, that is a fantastic move”, to the applause from those in attendance. Rossini and Pitts shook hands and the council quickly voted 5-0 for Rossini as mayor.
“It comes with a lot of responsibility,” said Rossini, who has been a member of the city council since 2016. “I thank everybody for the vote of confidence.” Rossini guaranteed three things as mayor, “to listen, learn and vote with what’s in your best interest, not mine…”
After the mayor was chosen, Robbie Pitts was unanimously approved as the mayor pro tem and presumably next in line as mayor.
New City Council Members Sworn-in
Prior to the selection of mayor, the three elected candidates from the Nov. 6 election were sworn into their council positions. Newcomers Crystal Miles and Chad Zimmerman and incumbent Bob Collacott were the top three vote-getters respectively. Miles and Zimmerman fill the seats vacated by Bill Nelson and Diana Fascenelli and Bob Collcott returns for another four-year term.
Miles, the top vote-gettter said “I am so humbled and honored and to be here…to my husband and children thank you, to the friends that helped champion for me, it meant more than you know.” “I am very honored to be here and cannot wait to have a great four years…”
Zimmerman, who placed second during the election for the three open council seats, thanked “all the people who supported me all along the way.” He said “I hope to represent you fairly, honestly, I hope to always let you know what I’m thinking and to welcome your opinions.” “I’m an open mind that truly believes in listening to as many perspectives to come up with the best decision as possible. I look forward to serving you in the next four years.”
Bob Collacott thanked “those that supported me in my re-election” and also thanked “the residents of Villa Park for the opportunity to serve a second term on City Council.”
Farewell to Outgoing City Council Members
Outgoing councilors Bill Nelson and Diana Fascenelli were also thanked for their service and bid farewell. Outgoing council members were given time to make remarks and express their gratitude and aspirations for the city. Nelson, who did not seek re-election, said in his parting comments that “it’s been an honor and privilege to serve the City of Villa Park for the past 4 years and I just hope my being on the council made a positive contribution to the city.” Fascenelli bade farewell after 6 years of service and said “thank you to the residents for six years. I served as your mayor, your mayor pro tem and your council woman. My decisions were always forward thinking, they were community oriented, I have no agenda. I am not going anywhere, I’m going back to being a mom, I’m going back to being a wife, I am going back to being a volunteer which has never stopped…”