Lawrence Trustee Won't Seek Reelection

Frustrated by what he says is “the lack of responsiveness” from the ’s administration, Trustee Edward Klar said on Thursday that after eight years in office, he would not seek reelection.

Klar has been vocal for the past few months on what he says is the Lawrence administration’s slow turnaround on issues facing the village, late delivery of trustee packets and a lack of information.

“Exercising my fiduciary responsibility on behalf of our residents is extremely important to me. That responsibility cannot be exercised in the dark,” Klar said during Thursday’s trustees meeting. “My respect for our residents, and my self-respect, will not allow me to continue in this. Accordingly, I have decided not to seek re-election to another term of office as trustee.”

After serving on the village’s board of building design and the parks commission, Klar was elected as a trustee in 2004. He said that, “historically,” he has spent 10 to 20 hours on village activities.

“When I felt that I was being productive on behalf of our residents, it was my pleasure, even though it took more time away from my family and from my business responsibilities than anticipated,” he said. “Unfortunately, with the ongoing lack of cooperation and information, for me personally it has come to the point where I no longer feel that my time and efforts are being well spent.”

Klar’s departure may impact many decisions of the five-member board, as he frequently votes alongside Trustee Michael Fragin and Deputy Mayor Joel Mael on many divisive issues, such as changes to and .

Village elections will be held on June 19. There will be an at-large election for two trustee positions, with one vacated by Klar. Trustee C. Simon Felder is seeking reelection. Mayor Martin Oliner will also seek reelection.

Mael said Klar did a lot behind the scenes and helped the village with issues such as sanitation and the country club.

“It’s a very sad day. I understand exactly the way he’s been mistreated,” Mael said. “The village is losing a talented and honest public servant.”

Fragin said that anyone who uses the county club owes a “debt of gratitude” to Klar.

“I really wish he’d reconsider,” Fragin said. “I can understand he feels burnt out, but it’s unfortunate he won’t be here for another term.”

Klar, joking, said he appreciates his colleagues’ comments, but that it “sounds like a eulogy to me.”