The village’s senior trustee, Dale Graham, resigned Monday, citing health problems and his plan to move to Mokena later this year.
Mayor Mark Stricker will appoint a new trustee to take Graham’s seat until next spring, when the final two years of the term will be filled by election.
Stricker said residents interested in servingshould contact him at Village Hall.
Graham had served as a Matteson official for 15 years. Initially he was appointed to the Plan Commission, and then appointed to a Village Board vacancy in January 1987. He subsequently was elected and re-elected as trustee four times.
In 1994 Graham underwent quadruple heart-bypass surgery. Two years later he had a pacemaker installed. Last February he had successful surgery for colon cancer. But as a precaution he has been undergoing chemotherapy, which he said he has found both mentally and physically draining.
In re-evaluating his situation, Graham said he and his wife have decided to move to a townhouse in Mokena within six months.
Graham said he was resigning Monday “since I felt that it would be inappropriate to continue to serve as an elected official while our home is for sale.”
Village officials commended Graham for his service.
“You have always had the heart and soul of the village in mind,” said Stricker.
Trustee Joe Vincent also found a positive aspect to Graham’s decision.
“This resignation will at least give you an opportunity to sit at home and watch Monday night football games,” Vincent said.
