Lake County Gazette

The Arlington Heights Village Board recognized some of its trustees during its meeting on April 17, including outgoing trustees Mary Beth Canty and John Scaletta.

Mayor Thomas Hayes read proclamations honoring Canty and Scaletta, as Canty has served as a trustee for four years, but will be leaving for Springfield to take a position as a state representative in the General Assembly. Hayes thanked her for bringing a diversity of thought and awareness to the board and the city, and for her dedication to the health and safety of their community. Scaletta has served on the board for 16 years, and has served the community for more than two decades, Hayes added.

Hayes said that Canty had told him that people should be able to disagree on the issues, however, he said, "Over the course of four years of votes, we've actually voted the same way well over 90% of the time. And so that's because we really have the same philosophy in terms of the health, safety and welfare of this village looking out for the people that we represent."

In his praise of Scaletta, he said, "John has done it the right way. He has been the example, the model of a dedicated public servant. He's probably the hardest working village board member that I've known in my 32 years." He added that Scaletta is always prepared, which "shows that we're dedicated to analyzing the issue thoroughly and carefully and making sure that we take seriously our obligations in providing for the health, safety and welfare of this community."

In addition to her service on the village board, Canty was a member of the League of Women Voters, The Bridging the Black White Divide Education Task Force, and the District 25 Parent-Teacher Association during her time in the village. 

"I am so appreciative of everything that you've done," Canty told the board. "The advice that you've given, the time that you've taken to answer questions, to throw out suggestions, it's incredibly meaningful and I hope that those things do not stop just because I am no longer on this board."

She said that while in Springfield, she hopes "I can help in a lot of other ways and I look forward to being able to do that. So thank you for letting me have the privilege and the honor of serving my community in this way," she said.

Scaletta said his campaign platform has "always included thinking positively and acting responsibly. Many residents have reached out since I announced I would not seek reelection with heartwarming comments, and I truly appreciate that," he said. "I'm honored to have served the citizens and businesses of Arlington Heights. I am grateful for the trust afforded to me to make decisions on their behalf.

"While we don't always agree, I respect each one of them. I'm proud of my service and the accomplishments we have achieved together as a board, a village and a community," Scaletta said.