Hastert leaving Elburn Village Board early

ELBURN – Ethan Hastert's time on the Elburn Village Board will come to an end a few months early. Hastert announced that Monday night's meeting would be his final one as a board trustee, as he is moving to Campton Hills.

“This will be my last meeting,” Hastert said, moments before the meeting adjourned. “It’s been an honor and a privilege.”

Hastert’s announcement means a replacement must be appointed to finish his term, which ends in April. Village President Dave Anderson said he would expect to have a new board member in place in November. Anderson said those interested may contact him. He is available at 630-365-5062 or at danderson@elburn.il.us.

Hastert, 36, the son of former Speaker of the House J. Dennis Hastert, won a spot on the Elburn Village Board in 2011. Before successfully running for the Elburn board, Hastert previously lost a Republican primary race against Randy Hultgren for a seat in the 14th Congressional District.

Hastert has been part of key decisions while serving on the Elburn board, most notably the approval of the Elburn Station project, which was tied to the extension of Anderson Road and a bridge to cross the Union Pacific tracks. After the board went through a quiet period on the topic in 2012, it was Hastert who had the discussion on the topic added to the agenda.

He said he is moving into a larger house. He and his wife, Heidi, recently welcomed their fourth child – they have three boys and a girl, none older than 7. He said they looked in Elburn, but they are moving to an area just north of Route 38.

Hastert, an attorney, called his time on the Elburn board a “great education.” He complimented fellow board members, as well as Anderson and village staff. He said the village is “truly blessed” to have such people in place.

“It is a great place to raise a family,” he said. “I can’t say enough good things about it.”

After the meeting, Hastert was asked whether he would run for another position. Last year, when state Rep. Kay Hatcher announced she would not run for re-election, Hastert made clear he would not be running in the race – which will take place next month between Republican Keith Wheeler and Democrat Valerie Burd. Hastert said he was not interested in running for office at this time.

“You never say never,” he said. “But it’s pretty close to never.”