New Board Member Sworn In for District 6

Militello comes from Treasurer's Office

JOLIET--  At today's Will County Board Meeting, members unanimously approved the appointment of Debbie Militello to the board's vacant position in District 6. The appointment comes after the previous representative of District 6, Ragan Freitag of Wilmington, retired from her position on the Board to become the Chief of Staff earlier this year.

Board Speaker Jim Moustis lead the search for a replacement board member, as the party of the departing board member gets to select the replacement. Kathey Havel, chairwoman of the Will County Republican Central Committee, nominated Militello for approval by the Will County Executive's office.

"I think Debbie will be a strong addition to the Will County Board, especially due to her extensive knowledge of the budget and of how Will County functions. Debbie also is uniquely qualified due to her experience in different levels of government, including local and state," said Board Speaker Jim Moustis. "The board will be working on a number of initiatives for county residents this year, and I'm glad we can move forward with a full board."

Militello most recently has served as a Channahon Village Trustee and as the chief deputy treasurer in the Will County Treasury, where she was responsible for preparing and administering the budget.  She has stepped down from these positions to take the position on the Will County Board.

Before her work for the Village of Channahon and the Will County Treasury, Militello was a liaison for former Congressman Jerry Weller. In that role she worked to promote transparency and build relationships between the congressional office and local interest groups and governments. She was also responsible for briefing the congressman on major local issues including the Kankakee River, Joliet Arsenal Redevelopment, Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, and area transportation issues such as the widening of Route 30.

"Debbie has a wealth of knowledge that will serve the constituents of District 6, and Will County, very well," said said Democratic minority leader Herb Brooks (D-Joliet). "I look forward to working with her in the months to come."

"I'm honored to be selected to join members of the Will County Board, and to serve the residents of Will County," said Militello. "I look forward to bringing my experience in the Treasurer's Office and as a Channahon Village Trustee to my new position."

Militello will join Don Gould (R-Shorewood) in representing District 6, which spans southwest Will County and includes the townships of Jackson, Channahon, Wilmington, Wilton, Wesley, Reed, Custer, Florence, and parts of Troy Township. The next election for District 6 seats will be held in November 2018.