The city of LaSalle has a new first ward alderman. New Alderman Bob Thompson was sworn in last night and immediately participated in the city council meeting. Thompson explained what he wants to get out of his new career. He says LaSalle is his hometown and as it moves in the right direction, he wants to be a part of it.
He says one thing the city should do is continue to keep up with properties that have not been taken care of.
He was born in Spring Valley but lived in LaSalle until he graduated from LP High School in 1975. He served as a staff sergeant for the US Army from 1975 to 1981. After that, he became a police officer in Peru for 27 years. He has worked numerous jobs from co-owning five Swiss Colony stores to being a Federal Armed Security Specialist. He is the current Director of Asset Protection for Hy-Vee in Peru, which means he oversees the safety and security of employees, customers, and a five-million-dollar retail environment.
He ran for first ward alderman in 2017 but came in second. In 2019, he was appointed to the LaSalle Plan Commission and became the chairman.
Now former Alderman Jim “Diz” Demes turned in his resignation last Tuesday because of health reasons. He had served sixteen years as an alderman and was proud of his perfect record for never missing a meeting.
Thompson will fill the term until April 2023, and can he can decide if he wants to run for reelection.
You can hear the full interview with Thompson here: