The Village of Oak Park | 123 Madison St.  Oak Park, IL 60302 | village@oak-park.us

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Lifelong Oak Parker picked for vacant Trustee slot

March 3, 2017 – James J. Taglia, a lifelong Village resident who served six years on the Oak Park Township Board, has been selected to fill the remainder of the term of Village Trustee Adam Salzman, who recently resigned to pursue a professional opportunity that precluded serving in elected office.

Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb made the announcement last night in a ceremony at Village Hall. Taglia’s name will be presented to the Village Board Monday night for a vote.

In announcing his selection, Abu-Taleb cited Taglia’s ability to bring people together, his strong financial background and his business experience as the reasons for selecting him to serve on the Village Board.

“Jim has the capacity to think of the Village as a whole and help us build a better future. He believes in the potential of our Village and is committed to moving our Village forward,” Abu-Taleb said. “His humility and decency provide us with a fine example of what selfless and compassionate leadership really looks like.”

During his tenure as an Oak Park Township trustee, Taglia served on the Intergovernmental and Senior Services committees, as well as the Community Mental Health Board, roles that Abu –Taleb credited for convincing the Village Board to raise the tobacco age to 21 and equip police officers with Narcan, a drug that can save the life of an overdose victim.

Thanking Abu-Taleb for his confidence in him, Taglia said, “I am going to work hard every day to make sure that confidence is well placed and I can continue to provide value to the board and the residents of Oak Park.”

Taglia went on to thank his wife and five children for their support of his public service, the Township Board and former Trustee Salzman, saying the “shoes to fill are gigantic.”

Taglia and his wife, Anneke, own the Red Mango frozen yogurt shop on Lake Street. He also is co-owner with his brother of PRO-CHEM-CO, INC., a company founded by his father. The company, based in Lake Station, Ind., manufactures and supplies specialty fluids and services to the steel and metalworking industries.

Taglia earned a bachelor’s degree from Boston College and a master’s in business administration from Loyola University. He also is a certified public accountant. In addition, he attended St. Giles elementary school and is a graduate of Oak Park and River Forest High School.