For several years, David Imielski has wanted “to become more involved in my community.”
He certainly is now.
Imielski, 53, an attorney who lives in La Grange, was sworn in Jan. 14 as a trustee on the Township of Lyons board.
He will serve the remaining months of a term vacated in September by trustee Gary Crossman who resigned and retired to Florida.
With no opposition on the ballot, Imielski will win election on April 1 to a four-year term on the board.
When he learned of the vacancy, Imielski contacted Township Supervisor Christopher Getty.
Getty considered several people to replace Crossman. He decided Imielski is “an excellent individual” best suited for the job.
“He has experience working with governments and is an active member of the community,” Getty said.
His appointment was approved unanimously.
“I’m very grateful,” Imielski said after the meeting.
Imielski has worked as an attorney for 27 years. He was an assistant state’s attorney in DuPage County for 11 years.
“And now I’m in a small firm out of Wheaton. We represent 10 municipalities,” he said.
He is an associate attorney with Marquardt & Belmonte, P.C. He joined the law firm in 2009.
Yes, the job is a busy one, but he’s willing to take on duties with the township board, which meets the second Tuesday each month.
“I’ve had a drive to get more involved in the public and this is a chance for me to do that,” Imielski said.
Noting the “turmoil and conflict” in politics these days, he said “it takes strong leadership to get through that and I see that here.”
“It has inspired me. I’m very grateful to be in this community. It’s been a wonderful place to raise my daughter and I think it’s important to give back to the community and do what you can to support it,” he said.
Imielski grew up in Bensenville. He graduated from Fenton High School “home of the mighty Bison.”
He earned his undergraduate degree from Northern Illinois University and graduated from the DePaul University College of Law.
His desire to become an attorney dates back to his youth when his parents asked what he wanted to do for a living.
“I asked them what (jobs) paid a lot of money. They said doctors and lawyers. I couldn’t see myself being a doctor so I guess I have to be a lawyer. I frankly never made the switch,” he said.
Nodding toward a township resident who attends nearly every meeting and asks many questions, Imielski smiled.
“I’d love to sit down and have a cup of coffee with that guy because he has been here every time I’m here. He’s a concerned citizen and we should have more of them.,’ the new trustee said.
Reminded that it’s not unusual for trustees to use the township board as a springboard to other elected office, Imielski said, “I have thought about that.”
“This is the first step, my first publicly held office. I want to make sure I do a great job and do everything I’m supposed to do. Yeah, down the line, I may take another step,” he said.
For example, Crossman was appointed to the board in April 2023 to fill the remaining term of former trustee Mike Porfirio, who had been elected to the state senate in November 2022.
When he’s not working, Imielski enjoys being physically active. But you won’t find him at Flagg Creek Golf Course.
“Golf? I don’t embarrass myself in the sport any longer because I don’t play very well,” he said.
“Paddle tennis is my new sport. It’s like pickle ball. … You can play the ball off the wall. It’s been around for a while and it’s gaining (in popularity),” said Imielski, who plays the game in Hinsdale.
Imielski and wife Jennifer have a daughter named Sophie, 18. They held the Bible at his swearing-in ceremony conducted by Township Clerk Elyse Hoffenberg.
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