He’s been on the job for nearly a month, and already John Anderson, River Forest’s new public works director, has gotten his feet wet.
The 32-year-old Sycamore native helped the community deal with the after effects of the June 24 deluge and he’s on top of developments related to the community’s upcoming and largest public works project ever.
“There’s a lot I’m still feeling out and getting used to. But so far so good,” he said. “I really like it here.”
On June 2, Anderson replaced Phil Cotter, an affable, well-liked administrator who left River Forest to become Roselle’s public works director. Anderson, who appears to have Cotter’s easy-going manner, inherited a well-run department, and that will make his job easier.
“It’s a good staff, both the people I work for and the people who report to me. They are dedicated, they really own their jobs and take pride in them,” he said.
Anderson came from Bensenville, where he served as assistant public works director starting in 2008. That there are some similarities to Bensenville – forestry and sewer maintenance are but two – will make for a smoother transition.
But there’s one big difference – whereas Bensenville has a separate storm and sanitary sewer system, River Forest’s is combined. That will take getting used to, Anderson said.
While he gets up to speed on the intricacies of the way River Forest works and gets settled in to the position, Anderson will be involved in getting the North Side sewer separation project off the ground. Currently the project is at phase 0 as an outfall – the spot where the water leaves the stormwater system and enters the Des Plaines River – is being installed at Thatcher Avenue. He also is keeping in close communication with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District to get the agency’s assistance on any aspects of the project.
Over the last few weeks, he’s had opportunities to learn about the community itself. He has spoken with residents about programs the village offers on flood prevention. He also has met a few of them during his drives around looking at the Commonwealth Edison tree trimming.
“This is a great community, it’s a tight-knit community, and I like that feel. I’ve seen how people want to really take care of their property. They are really dedicated to the community and knowledgeable about what’s happening in the community,” he said.
Anderson’s interest in public administration came during his hands-on maintenance work with the Sycamore Park District. He went on to major in political science at Northern Illinois University and then a master’s in public administration on the DeKalb campus.
Serving something a little bit higher than himself was an important factor in his career decision.
“I found that looking out for what’s best for the local community was appealing. The government closest to the people can serve the people best. You have hands-on interaction with officials, they tell you about specific issues that have an immediate impact on their lives.”
They are counting on you with their tax dollars to make government work for them,” Anderson said.
