Council Appoints Ishler to Top Spot in City Government

Troy Ishler is in as Oak Forest's new city administrator.

Ishler, who has previously served as the Public Works director, was appointed to the vacant position Tuesday night by the in a unanimous vote.

The annual salary for the position is listed at $107,356. The job duties, as outlined in the amended city code, are to "execute, on behalf of the City Council and at the direction of the Mayor, its administrative supervision and control of the affairs of the City in accordance with policy set by the City Council."

These "affairs" include supervising all city departments, helping prepare the annual budget, acting as representative for the city and making recommendations to the mayor.

Ishler also will continue to oversee the Public Works while the day-to-day operations of that department will continue with Richard Rinchich, assistant Public Works director.

Oak Forest has been without a city administrator since April 2011. . His last official day on the job was April 1 of that year.

During budget talks in March 2011, Mayor Hank Kuspa floated the idea of leaving the position vacant for all of the following fiscal year. Oak Forest recently passed a budget for the 2012-2013 fiscal year.

Ishler is a life-long resident of Oak Forest. He's been in the Public Works position since 2005.

Third Ward Alderwoman Diane Wolf said shortly before Tuesday's vote that Ishler is "committed to Oak Forest."

"He deserves this position," Wolf said. "He not only lives here but has proven himself."

Ishler volunteers as coach for the Oak Forest Baseball Association and as treasurer for the southwest branch of the American Public Works Association.

Troy's wife is named Karyn and they have three children: Jennifer, Kelly and Jake.

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