Courtney Bolt has long wanted to be an alderwoman on the Countryside City Council. Now she has her chance.
Bolt, 36, has been unanimously approved by the council to complete the remaining term of former Ald. Tom Mikolyzk, who stepped down for health reasons in July.
She will be up for election in April and plans to be on the ballot.
Bolt grew up in Countryside and still lives in the city with her husband Mike and their three sons: Mason, 11, Colin, 10, and Cameron, 5.
“Five years ago, I approached the mayor and said I’d like to get my foot in the door. Countryside is obviously near and dear to my heart. I just want to give back to Countryside,” she said.
Mayor Sean McDermott then appointed Bolt to the treasurer’s post, and she was elected to a four-year term in 2023. When Mikolyzk stepped down, McDermott asked Bolt if she was interested in replacing him on the council.
“I appreciate the support of my colleagues on the city council in believing in me and trusting me with this. I get to work with (Ald.) John (Von Drasek) in the 2nd Ward,” she said.
That ward now has the longest-serving alderman in Von Drasek and the newest alderwoman in Bolt.
Her parents, Jim and Patti Essig, still live in Countryside.
Longtime residents may recall that Jim ran the public works department for 36 years before he retired. The public works building is named for him.
Patti served on the board for Pleasantdale School District 107 for many years.
“I feel very honored to have this position,” Bolt said. “It’s really special.”
Asked for any projects she wants to work on, she said: “We already have so many amazing things happening in Countryside right now,. We have the best public works, the best police department, and the best city staff.”
One thing she’s looking forward to is the opening of Larry Robb Park on the south side of Countryside.
“Crazy weather. They can’t catch a break,” she said of the park’s delayed opening.
McDermott said the choice was simple, calling Bolt’s appointment “a natural move.”
“I think she’ll do an outstanding job. She really cares about the city,” he said.
She proved herself as treasurer, McDermott said, “and comes from a family steeped in public service.”
Bolt’s appointment was approved Aug. 12 at the council meeting.
Bolt said Countryside “is lucky because we work hand in hand with each other and all get along.”
She noted that businesses and residents are eager to locate in the city.
“In my ward, I can count more than 10 people I grew up with who are living in their parents’ houses. People come back to Countryside because it is so special,” Bolt said.
Bolt graduated from Pleasantdale Middle Schoo. She is in the Class of 2008 at Lyons Township High School.
She attended the College of DuPage and Southern Illinois University before she and her husband married. She is an active member of the Pleasantdale PTO.
In a recent Facebook post, the city paid tribute to Mikolyzk:
“We want to take a moment to recognize and thank Alderman Tom Mikolyzk for everything he has done for the city of Countryside and its residents during his time as one of our Ward 2 Aldermen.
“During his time on the City Council, he wore many hats—from serving as Chairman of the Human Resources Committee to marking trees for our 50/50 Tree Program to volunteering at countless city events.
“Most importantly, Tom was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was available to residents, listened to their concerns, and was always ready to pitch in wherever he was needed.”
Bolt thinks her service as treasurer prepares her for her new duties.
“I did a lot as treasurer, but I was just the face of the finance department. They made me look good. They’re an amazing team,” Bolt said, noting the expertise of Finance Director David Schutter.
While she is busy as the mother of three boys, she is ready for the challenge.
“I feel I am prepared, and my kids are older now, so I’m able to give back more time to the residents. I’m confident I’ll do a good job,” she said.
“Hopefully, I’m able to do the residents of the ward proud.”