Politics & Government
Peck Resigns from Plainfield Park District
In his resignation letter, Peck apologized to the local Republican party, and also said he will not seek payout of his contract.
Plainfield Park District Executive Director Garrett Peck has resigned, effective immediately. In his resignation letter, he said he will not seek severance pay or payout for his three-year contract.
Park board commissioner Larry Newton confirmed the resignation Thursday afternoon on WJOL.
Peck submitted a resignation letter saying he has become a "lightning rod" in the community and it would be best if he stepped away from the position.
Assistant Executive Director Gene Coldwater will become interim executive director.
WJOL's Kevin Kollins asked Newton if Cameron Bettin, who was originally hired for the job, could possibly return to the park district. Bettin, who had been demoted to the assistant executive director job, resigned last month.
"I can't imagine Cameron would ever want to come back under these circumstances," Newton said.
Commissioner Mary Kay Ludemann was also on Kollins' show, saying, "I was never in favor of demoting [Bettin] to begin with." She added that she did not believe Peck was qualified for the role.
Peck's letter noted that he "took this position in a controversial manner, which made it extremely difficult to function with the entire board and the community. I had a lot of great ideas that will not be able to move forward as a result."
He cited accomplishments including a "huge savings on health insurance for employees," a shuttle bus with wheelchair lift and plans for an indoor soccer facility.
Peck, who is also a Village of Plainfield trustee, went on to say:
"It is my hope that the new director receives full board support and is not aligned with any political circles," adding, "I was told by the Republican Party, that no matter how well the park district did that it would not matter and they were correct. I also want to apologize to the local Republican Party which I dedicated countless hours and dedication building over the past six years."
Peck's letter also acknowledged park district staff including Coldwater, Director of Recreation Cheryl Crisman, Director of Finance and Management Services Maureen Nugent and Executive Assistant Wendi Calabrese.
Check back for more details as they become available.
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