PUBLIC SERVICE HAS VALUE

"Serving 24 years as trustee on Barrington's village board is a rewarding experience," says John H. D. Blanke, who quietly observed his 63rd birthday on May 6 even though strangers would guess him to be about 53. "Safeguarding the interests of the taxing body," he said, "keeps a person on the alert, enriches his mental storehouse and makes his talents count in behalf of fellow citizens."

Heading the committee on sewerage and waterworks, trustee Blanke finds a multitude of problems to keep him active in village government. He has faced the judgment of fellow citizens in nine village board elections. Losing in the first run, 1933, he was high man the following year and in four succeeding elections, getting second place in only three. In the last election, 1957, he received 1324 votes out of 1593 cast, his associated winning candidates trailing with 1131 and 936 votes. Many Barrington voters are amazed because trustee Blanke is high man in most elections but others assure them that it is the appreciation shown for hard and honest work.

Privately, trustee Blanke has been technical editor of The International Operating Engineer since 1930, and has contributed articles to other engineering publications. He is listed in "Who's Who In the Midwest" and in "Who's Who in Commerce and Industry."

Blanke's career as village trustee was almost terminated about two years ago while inspecting a new sewer in a Barrington subdivision. Standing at the bottom of a 19 feet deep manhole, a seven pound rock rolled in from the top and swished his still dark hair. "That was a close call," he said, and he is keeping the missile as a memento in his office.

Page 103 / Illinois Muncipal Review / May 1958