City Council thanks Hipskind for nearly 10 years

ELMHURST – City Council members Monday thanked outgoing Fourth Ward alderman Steve Hipskind for his near decade of service to the city, praising his best qualities, not the least of which is his effort to acknowledge others before himself.

"I don't need the spotlight," Hipskind said after his last City Council meeting.

He said his wife, Nora, and six children shine a bright enough spotlight on him in his day-to-day life.

Appointed to the council in Aug. 2005 by then-mayor Tom Marcucci, Hipskind said he saw the decision to dedicate time to serve the city as a way to give back.

It's a quality he attributed to all Elmhurst residents during his goodbye speech.

"This town steps out for people," Hipskind said.

Sitting in a rocking chair embellished with the Elmhurst city seal, Hipskind listened while council members commented on his eagerness to accomplish goals, commitment to economic development and ability to always see the big picture.

"There is no more trustworthy or courageous ally in a big fight for Elmhurst than you, Steve," Second Ward alderman Norm Leader said.

Others like Sixth Ward alderman Jim Kennedy and Hipskind's fellow Fourth Ward representative Kevin York recounted how Hipskind inspired them to run for City Council.

After all the gratitude and compliments, Hipskind maintained he isn't responsible for any one accomplishment during his time on the council. Instead, he said he's been happy to be part of many city achievements.

"The reality is my business has changed so much and is requiring so much more time," Hipskind said, explaining why he decided to step down.

The owner of Hipskind Technology Solutions Group explained he's excited about spending more time on his business but is also confident in the state of the city as he leaves his post.

"I know for a fact from a financial state we're in great shape," said Hipskind, who spent his tenure on the city's Finance, Council Affairs and Administrative Services Committee where he was chairman from 2009 to 2013.

He also mentioned he is excited to see progress on the flood mitigation plans the city is exploring.

While this may be the end of his political career, Hipskind plans to remain an active member of the community, both socially and through charitable efforts.

"This is a great town ... my family of eight have made a life here that I can't imagine anywhere else," Hipskind told the council.

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How to apply

Applications from Fourth Ward residents interested in filling the vacant alderman position through the end of its term May 2015 are due to City Hall by 5 p.m. today. Mayor Steve Morley plans to appoint a new Alderman with council approval after meeting with each applicant.