There was a Manteno mayoral mea culpa at the Oct. 5 village board meeting.
Mayor Anette LaMore opened her report by merrily wishing everyone a “Happy October” but then got down into serious business with a speech apologizing to “every citizen” of the village for her actions on Sept. 28.
On that day, a teacher and a group of Manteno Middle School students were cleaning a park after the village’s Oktoberfest and LaMore confronted them. She said she made a mistake.
“I want to address an unfortunate incident that happened last week when I questioned a middle school teacher about her students who were dressed in neon vests off school grounds during the school day,” she said.
“I didn’t make a positive, nor accurate assumption that they were generously cleaning up in a village park after Oktoberfest as part of a sixth-grade leadership activity.”
The mayor said she wasn’t at her best that day when she questioned the teacher in a way that was more accusation in tone.
“My questions and attitude made the teacher uncomfortable, and she left the park with the students thereafter,” LaMore said. “I was wrong. And I regret how I handled the situation that didn’t need my handling.
“This is not reflective of who I am nor how I want to be as a person or a leader. I offered an apology to the teacher and the students, and I take responsibility for the negativity brought to something that was intended for good.”
LaMore closed her speech by apologizing to the village residents for her role in the incident.
“I think those who aspire to be good leaders take ownership when they are wrong,” LaMore said. “And amidst all of the accusations I have endured as mayor, this is something that I can actually fully own.
“I apologize to every citizen as you should expect your leaders to be more positive role models. I will ensure that incidents like this don’t happen again.”
Gesky praises LaMore
The usual Hatfield/McCoy tenor of Manteno board meetings was put on hold for this one.
Business was conducted without bile or hostility.
As a matter of fact, trustee Joel Gesky, who has been at odds with LaMore on several issues, congratulated the mayor on a video interview she recently was a part of.
“It was very nice,” Gesky said. “I was glad to hear you speak of the value of bringing new businesses to town. We all want that and it’s something we should be celebrating.”
He added that when the board works together – even if it doesn’t always agree on issues, “It makes Manteno a better place.”
Oktoberfest a success
Officials were also in a congratulatory mood when talking about the success of Oktoberfest.
Ashley Peterson, the president and CEO of the Manteno Chamber of Commerce, said the four-day event drew 21,000 people.
“It had impact as a community event and as a regional draw that brings people into Manteno and our local businesses,” she said. “I’m pleased and excited for 2027.”
The event, which took place from Sept. 24-27, was marred by only one arrest, according to Manteno Police Chief Alan Swinford.