Arlington Heights Trustee Steps Down In Surprise Announcement

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — Arlington Heights Trustee Thomas Glasgow had his last board meeting Monday, where he made a surprise announcement that he's stepping down from the role. As of Jan. 1, 2019, Glasgow will focus solely on his work as a criminal defense attorney, the Daily Herald reported.

His law firm, Glasgow & Olsson, recently ran into some business opportunities which would conflict with his obligations as a trustee on the board, the Herald reported.

Glasgow, who was first elected to the board in 2009, spoke highly of the board as he made the announcement. Regardless of ideological differences, the board members "speak as one" and share a commitment to service.

"Despite what people may say or what they may hear in the news, our board gets along," he said, according to the Herald report. "We all have ideological differences, but I'm proud to have been part of a group that shows respect for one another and for the citizens they represent. We listen to each other. We respect each others' thoughts and opinions, and most of all our board is not afraid of compromise."

The announcement comes after the dedication of the new police station, which Glasgow considered a successful cap to his tenure as a trustee. "This is something I felt had to be seen through to its completion, and now that it's reached fruition, I am compelled to focus my time and obligation that I have to my clients," he said, according to the Herald.

Glasgow's philosophy as an elected official, according to the village website, is a purely utilitarian one: "To do the most amount of good for the most amount of people for the most amount of time."

Mayor Tom Hayes will have through the month of February to find Glasgow's replacement.

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See the full Daily Herald report here.

Photo credit: Village of Arlington Heights