Downers Grove Commissioner Gina Vattimo abruptly resigns

DOWNERS GROVE – Just days after the Downers Grove Village Council announced a new member to replace an outgoing one, it appears as though they will have to start another search.

Council member Gina Vattimo, elected last April and slated to serve through May 2019, has resigned from her seat, effective immediately, according to a letter released by the village.

The announcement came through a succinct, two-sentence letter to Village Mayor Martin Tully and the six other council members, dated Aug. 21.

"It has been an honor to serve our community alongside you and I wish you the best of luck and success in your continued efforts on behalf of the Village of Downers Grove," she wrote.

She also thanked Tully specifically for "being a great mentor as well as someone who cares deeply about Downers Grove and its future," according to the village.

Vattimo, a resident for more than 15 years, spent a little more than 15 months on the council despite reigning in the highest vote total in the race. No official word has been given as to the motivation behind her decision from either the now-former council member or the village itself.

Her absence comes only days after the council named Marge Earl, Chairperson of the Zoning Board of Appeals and Comprehensive Planning Ad-Hoc Committee member, as its newest member, effective Sept. 6.

Earl's place was created in the trickle-down aftermath of former State Rep. Ron Sandack's sudden resignation months before his re-election bid citing "cybersecurity issues." Sandack was replaced in office and on the ballot by council member David Olsen, who will now face off against current council member Greg Hosé.