Grayslake Mayor not running for a Third Term

One of the more well known Mayors in Lake County has decided not to run for a third term. Tim Perry (pictured) of Grayslake announced what had been an open secret for months, that he was not running. As Mayor he is well known for the Fairgrounds move, and of course canceling at the last minute a giant motorcycle "gang" gathering this summer. As Mayor, Perry was very active in county activities and led the way on numerous economic and transportation issues. As a Republican he was always at odds with the Democratic stronghold of Prairie Crossing, where I would imagine a challenger will emerge to Perry's anointed successor. Ultimately I would speculate that more then 2 people will run for the Mayors spot in Grayslake. One name that has been rumored as well is current trustee Jeff Vogel.

Grayslake mayor won't seek third term, backs trustee to fill post

From the Daily Herald-- Grayslake Mayor Timothy Perry says he won't pursue a third term, and supports a village trustee to fill the post.

Perry said Trustee Rhett Taylor has the necessary qualifications to take over as Grayslake's top elected official. Perry said he decided to step aside after Taylor showed a desire to become mayor.

Taylor, 39, has served six years on the village board over two terms, with other stints on the economic development and plan commissions. Taylor released his formal announcement Monday, followed by Perry's statement Tuesday.

"He's a true public servant," Perry said of Taylor.

Taylor said he plans to continue expansion of Grayslake's tax base if elected mayor. He said the village is ready

"We've been moving very much in a positive direction for eight years," Taylor said.

Perry, 49, has been Grayslake's mayor since 2001. The executive at State Bank of the Lakes in Grayslake served as a village trustee from 1996 to 2001.

Village trustee Jeff Werfel said he'd heard some buzz several weeks ago that Taylor was exploring a run as mayor. Werfel said Perry and Taylor are tight, so it was unlikely the men would have run against each other.

"Somebody else will probably pop up and run against (Taylor)," Werfel said.

Werfel made an unsuccessful effort to topple Perry as mayor in 2005. He was re-elected as a village trustee last year.

Taylor, an Abbott Laboratories employee, has lived in the Grayslake area for more than 30 years. He said he understands the residents' desire to keep a small-town feel in Grayslake.