At the Homewood board meeting Tuesday, Dec. 12, trustee Lisa Purcell surprised her fellow board members by announcing her resignation as a village trustee.
Before Purcell made the motion to adjourn the meeting, she informed the rest of the board that she was stepping down after serving as a trustee for nearly 13 years.
Board of Trustees after serving more than a dozen years.
(Eric Crump/H-F Chronicle)
“It’s only because there’s been a lot of change in my personal and professional life. I can’t dedicate the amount of time and attention that it takes,” she said.
She said the community deserves someone who can devote the time the position demands.
She thanked her colleagues on the board and members of the village staff.
“This community thrives because of this board and this staff,” she said. “I’m confident it will continue to do so.”
She said she even appreciated the disagreements and debates with other board members over the years.
“They’re very educational. You learn a lot from both sides.”
The other trustees each thanked Purcell for her service and wished her well. Anne Colton noted that the two of them had started on the board about the same time in 2011.
“I was brand new and you were brand new. You have done a lot for this community in so many ways,” Colton said. She too had resigned from the board and said she understood how difficult the decision was for Purcell. After being gone for five years, Colton decided to step back on the board and was elected in April.
Trustee Lauren Roman expressed appreciation for Purcell’s service.
“I’ve been on the board half as long. We as a community have been lucky to have you,” she said. “We’ve been through a lot in the past six years, and I appreciate your support.”
Mayor Rich Hofeld said, “You’ve been a joy to work with.”
Purcell was re-elected to a two-year term in April. Hofeld is expected to appoint someone to complete her term.