Highland Park Inaugurates First Female Mayor

A standing ovation greeted when she was sworn in as Highland Park's first female mayor Monday night.

"We are here to listen," Rotering said after taking the center seat of the dais during an emotional inauguration ceremony. 

She then told the packed room to write down the phone number for City Manager David Limardi. 

"Feel free to contact us," she sad, adding "Sorry, David," with a chuckle.

, who served on the City Council for two years before getting on April 5, is joined by three new City Council members, who were also sworn in Monday night: , and .

Frank, who handles government relations for the Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities, pledged to listen to the community and work hard on its behalf.

"I hope to bring some creativity and responsiveness to this position," he said.

Naftzger, who is the executive director of the Council of Great Lakes Governors (CGLG), said he was "very eager to get to work."

"It's really humbling to have the support of so many people and to have earned this place on the dais," he said.

Blumberg, an attorney, reaffirmed his campaign promise to "work cooperatively" with the new mayor and City Council.

"I want to thank all of the people that voted for me for your confidence and encouragement," he said. "I also want to let those who did not vote for me know that I don't know that and I look forward to serving them as well," he added with a grin.

The swearing-in ceremony was prefaced with some final words from and about and as well as departing mayor .

"You are a consummate professional," Olian said about Silberman. "You also bring to the table great honesty and candor." 

Mayor Pro Tem Steve Mandel agreed with Olian's assessment of the two-term councilman, adding that Silberman is "a brilliant individual and someone I very much appreciate."

referred to Olian, to Rotering April 5, as a "spark-plug." Citing initiatives like Late Nite HP and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Belsky said that Olian "moved things forward."

"(These initiatives) were thoughts," Belsky said. "When I gave them to Terri, all of a sudden they happened."

spoke fondly of Belsky's dedication to the city and his habit of trying to please everyone.

"There was really nothing Mike  said 'no' to," Kirsch said.

The two-term mayor, who also served for two terms on the City Council, reflected on his .

"I feel like I started with something very good," Belsky said about Highland Park. "It's been a pleasure to lead in a community that I think reflects great values."

Olian affectionately discussed her years of service on the City Council as part of a fulfilling journey.

"While I sit here on the dais for the last time," she said, "my heart is really so full."

Scott Levenfeld, who's council term also ended Monday night, did not attend the ceremony.

Shortly before the meeting adjourned for the last time with the former City Council, Rotering added a few remarks about the departing members.

"You've brought such creativity and care to city government," she said about Belsky. Rotering also added that Olian brought heart and energy to serving the city, while Silberman brought "a genuine love" for his hometown.

After she and the new councilmen were sworn in, Rotering said that the new City Council would be meeting with city department heads and employees to discuss the city's priorities. She added that the new council would be "setting a new tone." 

One space remains on the City Council. Residents are  by May 13 to be considered by the new council for the available position.

"I am really looking forward to working with this new council," Rotering said.