This week, the Daily Herald named Mayor Rodney Craig as one of its 2009 Newsmakers

Northwest suburban 2009 newsmakers (click here to read entire article)
Daily Herald Staff Report
Published: 12/28/2009 11:59 AM

The Northwest suburbs had their share of newsmakers in 2009, like every other year. Here are several of the people we talked about during the past 12 months.

Hanover Park Mayor Rodney Craig:

He isn't the most popular figure in Hanover Park, but he became one of the most visible in 2009, when residents turned to Hanover Park Village President Rod Craig for answers when a sudden surge of violence struck the village.

Four murders occurred within two weeks in late May and early June, and the seemingly isolated slayings were preceded by several gang-related stabbings and shootings.

Craig spoke openly to reporters and to the nervous public in front of packed school gyms to start off gang awareness forums led by police. He tapped former Police Chief Ron Moser to take over as village manager, led an effort to secure stimulus money to hire more police officers, and called on area leaders to take part in a public safety committee he formed. In November, village officials approved a new $19 million police station, to replace the department's current cramped quarters.

The village of Hanover Park has been quieter for the last six months. And that's welcome news to its leader.

(click here to read entire article)