Wilmette Honors Community Members, Names April Fair Housing Month

"We have the opportunity to announce and appreciate excellence in our community at all levels tonight," Wilmette Village President Chris Canning said during Tuesday's board meeting.

In addition to traditional business, the board of trustees took time to honor the Wilmette Braves AA hockey team, who won the Mite AA Blackhawk Cup State Championship, and two Wilmette Policeman, Michael Robinson and Martin Paulson, who have been promoted.

After leading the pledge of allegiance, the Braves then presented their trophy to Canning. Following the team's reception, Police Chief Brian King introduced the promotions of officers Robinson and Paulson. Robinson, who was promoted to sergeant, was recognized for his role in a "complex drug conspiracy investigation that he succesfully put together, which resulted in numerous felony charges," King told the board.

Additionally, King noted that Paulson, who was promoted to commander, "has received numerous awards and accolades over the course of his career, including being named Officer of the Year in 1992."

After the acheivements were recognized, Canning announced that April 2011 had been designated as National Fair Housing* Month for the village.

*Fair housing differs from affordable housing, which encourages communities to invest in developments that are reasonably priced for lower- and middle-income buyers. Fair housing means a commitment to not permit descrimination.