Skip to content
  • Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Subscribe FREE to Ray Hanania’s Columns
  • Advertise
Suburban Chicagoland

Suburban Chicagoland

Original News, Features & Opinion

  • About
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Our Writers
      • Ray Hanania
      • Bill Lipinski
      • Aaron Hanania
      • Steve Metsch
      • Steve Neuhaus
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reach Out
    • Submit a Press Release
  • Sections
    • Events
    • Opinion
    • News
    • Features
    • Seniors
    • Comic Strip
  • Library
    • “MIdnight Flight” Online Book
      • Midnight Flight Book Overview
      • Midnight Flight Introduction
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 1
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 2
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 3
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 4
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 5
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 6
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 7
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 8
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 9
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 10
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 11
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 12
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 13
    • Villages, Cities & Towns
    • Federal Office Holders
    • County Officials
    • Legislators
  • Seniors
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Comment
  • Podcast
    • Two Guys on Politics Podcast: A Centrist View on Politics
    • Two Guys on Politics
    • Ray Hanania on Politics Podcast
    • The Arab street Podcast
  • Hanania on Tiktok
  • Toggle search form
  • Author Patrick Girondi
    Prominent producer to write screen adaptation of story on the fight against Thalassemia Books & Films
  • Wreaths Across America Radio logo
    Wreaths Across America Radio Announces New Strategic Partnerships with Veteran Radio Programs Entertainment
  • Orland Township Assessor Rich Kelly
    Taxpayers have an extra month to pay First Installment of Tax Bills Cook County
  • State hearings and transparency needed on Nicor gas cost hikes Blogger
  • William O. Lipinski former Congressman from Illinois (5th and later 3rd District). Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Right from the Middle: Newt Gingrich helped fuel America’s political polarization Bill Lipinski
  • Do more for senior citizens like we do for illegal aliens Baby Boomers
  • Typewriter. Photo by Andrew Seaman courtesy of unsplash
    District 230 students receive journalism awards Cook County
  • Cook County Sherif Tom Dart
    Sheriff and District 230 honor students for public service hours Education
  • Author Patrick Girondi
    Chicagoan who invested in research to save children releases new book Books & Films
  • Dr. Helen Edwards Fermilab particle physicist
    Foster, Durbin, Duckworth introduce resolution to name Fermilab Research Center after renowned physicist Dr. Helen Edwards Features
  • Telephone
     Sheriff Dart Warns Public of Phone Scam  Baby Boomers
  • Orland Township Democratic Organization Fundraiser Feb. 23, 2023 at Papa Joe's Restaurant in Orland Park
    Orland Township Democratic Organization to honor Former Secretary of State Jesse White on Feb. 23 Cook County
  • Zwar Restaurant chicken and beef-lamb Shawarma Plate
    How to have a great Middle Eastern meal in Orland Park area Culture
  • Orland First Responders candidates Matthew G. Rafferty and William Bonnar Jr.
    First Responders announce candidacies for Orland Fire District Board seats Cook County
  • D230 students win prestigious art awards Education

No slowing down for Cummings

Posted on March 12, 2019March 12, 2019 By Steve Metsch No Comments on No slowing down for Cummings
SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  

No slowing down for Cummings

Hodgkins mayor, 91, prepares for 11th term in office

By Steve Metsch

Mayor Noel B. Cummings enjoyed a hearty laugh in his office at the Hodgkins Village Hall when asked if he is surprised nobody challenged him in the upcoming election.

“Not really,” he said. “I’ve got a good record and everybody is on our team.”

That record stretches back 40 years as mayor, 44 if you add his one term as a trustee.

Cummings is running unopposed and on April 2ndwill win his 11thfour-year term as mayor. According to Wikipedia, he is the longest-serving current mayor in Illinois.

Oh, and celebrated his 91stbirthday in October.

At an age where few are working, let alone running a thriving community, he can be found in his first-floor office, working as mayor.

“I enjoy it. I enjoy being where I can help people. The residents of the village of Hodgkins, I like to help everyone. And all of our businesses, too,” he said Feb.27.

Noel B. Cummings, right, is 91 years young, and has been mayor of Hodgkins the past 40 years. He will win on April 2, as no one opposes him. Village Attorney John O’Connell has been his right-hand man through the years. Photo by Steve Metsch.

 

Cummings had opponents his first three mayoral elections. Counting this year, he’s 8-0 running unopposed.

Cummings leans on lessons learned growing up on a farm in Mississippi, “where nobody put locks on the doors and everybody trusted each other. What a great community it was. What a wonderful life I had living there.”

It was there his father told him the best way to defeat an enemy was to make him your friend. “That’s what I’ve tried to do,” he said.

After winning his first mayoral election, he brought in the opposition and told them if they were serious about improving Hodgkins, they should serve on a planning committee.

“We were one of the poorest little towns in Illinois. People asked me why I wanted to be mayor. I told them it won’t be that way when we get through with it,” Cummings said with a smile.

It’s changed dramatically under Cummings.

A former motor freight terminal that stretched from East Avenue to La Grange Road, on the south side of Joliet Road, is now home to the Quarry Shopping Center that boasts a Target, Kohl’s, Walmart and Sam’s Club.

There’s a gun range in town, and a movie theater complex.

Don’t forget the sprawling industrial park south of 67thStreet, home to dozens of companies. You can see it from the Tri-State Tollway. And then there’s the UPS facility.

“We have the largest package sorting plant in the world. The UPS plant. In the world. I like to brag about that every time I get the chance,” he said.

It’s all a testament to Cummings’ vision that, at age 91, is clear as ever.

“We’re not done yet,” he says. “We still have some empty spaces.”

He hopes to bring retail to a seven-acre site on Lenzi Avenue where an apartment complex had stood.

The village last year began acquiring houses that were in ill repair, Village Attorney John O’Connell said.

“We’ve started a beautification program downtown where we find an old house, something up for sale, or goes into foreclosure. We’ve purchased the property, will tear it down and sell it to developers for $60,000 per parcel with the understanding they will build a new home,” O’Connell said.

There are six new such houses in Hodgkins.

Cummings’ right-hand man through the years has been O’Connell, a former state representative. When they met, Cummings took it as a good omen as O’Connell shared a first name with the mayor’s older brother.

“He was the best brother you could have. I told my wife I wish I could find someone like him, and I found him,” Cummings said.

Asked about Cummings’ decision to serve four more years, O’Connell said, “well, he’s healthy.”

“His hearing isn’t good and (that) drives me nuts. But I’ve got used to talking loudly. I’d rather have his hearing bad than his mind.”

Cummings is sharp as a tack. His eyes are bright. His handshake is strong.

He’d love to see elected leaders in Washington, D.C., adopt his policy of working together. “A house divided against itself can’t stand,” he said, borrowing from Abe Lincoln.

“That’s what’s going to happen to our country if it keeps going this way. How sad it is. Instead of trying to help each other, they try to knock each other.

“We’re all in the same boat, Democrats on one side, Republicans on the other. And we’re shooting at each other. When you sink the boat, everybody goes down, not just one side,” he warned.

For now, Cummings’ focus – as it has been the past four decades – is on making Hodgkins the best it can be.

Cummings laughed when told he’ll be 95 when this term ends in 2023. “I’ll prop him up,” O’Connell quipped.

Desplaines Valley News

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Steve Metsch
Steve Metsch
Steve Metsch is an award winning veteran reporter who previously worked for the Daily Southtown Newspapers, Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times. Metsch is a writer and editor at the Southwest News Newspaper group based in suburban Chicago, and a freelance writer a health magazine, the Suburban Life, the Naperville Sun, and other organizations.
Email Steve Metsch at sm4610@sbcglobal.net
Steve Metsch
Latest posts by Steve Metsch (see all)
  • James Koc rejoins Lyons ZBA - November 26, 2022
  • “It’s time,” says McCook top cop Svetich - November 26, 2022
  • No town too small, Pritzker visits Southwest suburbs - November 4, 2022
  • Tweet

SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  
 
 
 
           
News, Suburban Chicagoland Tags:11th term, 40 years as mayor, Hodgkins Mayor Noel B. Cummings, Village Attorney John O'Connell

Post navigation

Previous Post: Wolves win eight straight at home
Next Post: “One of a Kind Spring Show” at The Mart shares gift ideas

Related Posts

  • Celebrating the Thanksgiving and the Holidays. Photo courtesy of Krakenimages on Unsplash
    Make It to the Table This Thanksgiving with Safe Driving Features
  • Police Squad Car, courtesy of Wikipedia
    Bridgeview Police searching for suspect in Hann Funeral Home shooting breaking news
  • Orland Firefighters battle demonstration fire at OFPD Open House event
    Firefighters respond to Orland home fire they witness from their firehouse across the street breaking news
  • Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar
    Cook County Awards Funding to Four 16th District Public Schools for Renewable Energy Education Initiative Cook County
  • Chicago Open Air Logo 2017
    Performances announced for 2nd annual Chicago Open Air Fest July 14 – 16 Entertainment
  • Rep. Camille Lilly Sen Don Harmon meet with district residents on balanced budget efforts in Springfield at a community forum hosted in June 2018
    Lilly, Harmon host district forum on budget and state legislation Features

More Related Articles

Actor Larry Yando as Ebenezer Scrooge in the Goodman Theater Production of A Christmas Carol. Courtesy of the Goodman Theater Goodman Theatre suspends A Christmas Carol performance through Dec. 24 Chicago
Dr. Kathleen Drinan Orland Park Cardiologist warns of rising cardiovascular risk among women Editors Pick
Garage damaged by fire in Orland Park. Photo courtesy of the Orland Fire Protection District Fire causes serious damage to Orland Home, residents safe Fire
Frankfort Fall Festival offers an assrotment of great food vendors. Photo courtesy of the Frankfort Chamber of Commerce Illionois State Fair lowers admission prices Entertainment
Write-ins hopeful vs. Lipinski News
St. Francis routs R-B News

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Login with your Social ID
  • OPINION COLUMNS
  • State hearings and transparency needed on Nicor gas cost hikes
    February 5, 2023
  • William O. Lipinski former Congressman from Illinois (5th and later 3rd District). Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Right from the Middle: Newt Gingrich helped fuel America’s political polarization
    February 3, 2023
  • Do more for senior citizens like we do for illegal aliens
    February 3, 2023
  • Alderman Raymond Lopez would have made a great mayor
    January 26, 2023
  • Pritzker’s assault weapons ban not enough to make law abiding citizens safe
    January 16, 2023
  • Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot must go
    January 15, 2023

Subscribe

  • Ray-Hanania-Newsletter-300-wide-Banner.jpg

Trending

  • Chicago Mayor Lori Lightf... Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot must go Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has faile... posted on January 15, 2023
  • Paul Vallas candidate for Chicago Mayor 2023. Photo courtesy of the Paul Vallas website Vallas urges probe in Lig... Vallas urges probe in Lightfoot's CPD scandal and accuses of Congressman Ga... posted on January 16, 2023
  • Alexi Giannoulias, former Illinois state treasurer and candidate for Illinois Secretary of State Secretary of State Alexi... Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias releases comprehensive Transition Team... posted on January 17, 2023
  • Orland Township Assessor Rich Kelly Taxpayers have an extra m... Taxpayers have an extra month to pay First Installment of Tax Bills In Cook... posted on February 6, 2023
  • Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar Cook County Announces Cal... Cook County Announces Call for Transportation and Community Grant Program A... posted on January 23, 2023
  • NEWS
  • Author Patrick Girondi
    Prominent producer to write screen adaptation of story on the fight against Thalassemia
    February 8, 2023
  • Wreaths Across America Radio logo
    Wreaths Across America Radio Announces New Strategic Partnerships with Veteran Radio Programs
    February 6, 2023
  • Orland Township Assessor Rich Kelly
    Taxpayers have an extra month to pay First Installment of Tax Bills
    February 6, 2023
  • Typewriter. Photo by Andrew Seaman courtesy of unsplash
    District 230 students receive journalism awards
    February 3, 2023
  • Cook County Sherif Tom Dart
    Sheriff and District 230 honor students for public service hours
    February 3, 2023
  • Author Patrick Girondi
    Chicagoan who invested in research to save children releases new book
    February 3, 2023
  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png

The Political Pundit

Political Pundit Aug. 24, 2021. Taliban thanks president for boxes of MAGA hats
  • WORD PRESS REVIEWS
  • MyCloud by Western Digital, a hard drive that doesn't last. Don't purchase Western Digital.
    Western Digital tubes its loyal customers for profit
    October 17, 2021
  • Macho Themes website front page. Don't buy their themes. They don't work
    Difficulties with Macho Themes for WordPress
    August 21, 2021
  • TECHNOLOGY REVIEWS
  • Wreaths Across America Radio logo
    Wreaths Across America Radio Announces New Strategic Partnerships with Veteran Radio Programs
    February 6, 2023
  • Dr. Helen Edwards Fermilab particle physicist
    Foster, Durbin, Duckworth introduce resolution to name Fermilab Research Center after renowned physicist Dr. Helen Edwards
    February 3, 2023
  • Telephone
     Sheriff Dart Warns Public of Phone Scam 
    February 3, 2023

Follow Ray Hanania at
Gab.com, MeWe.com
IDobbinate.com,
Twitter, Facebook

Creative Commons License
All works on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

What We’re Reading

Arab News Newspaper Leading English Language Publication in the GulfArab News Newspaper

Ray Hanania on Politics
SW News Newspaper Group

  • SPORTS
  • Chicago Wolves 2022-2023 season
    Chicago Wolves top Stars for second win in a row
    October 25, 2022
  • Stagg Marching Band Pit Crew as efficient as a NASCAR pit stop! The team that does a lot of the work to help the Stagg High school band perform works behind the scenes like a NASCAR pit stop. The students are profiled in this feature
    Stagg Marching Band Pit Crew as efficient as a NASCAR pit stop!
    August 31, 2022
  • Soccer. Photo by Md Mahdi on Unsplash
    International soccer returns to SeatGeek Stadium
    August 7, 2022
  • Stefan Noesen, Chicago Wolves
    Chicago Wolves Noesen wins President’s Award
    July 22, 2022
  • NEWS RELEASES
  • Author Patrick Girondi
    Prominent producer to write screen adaptation of story on the fight against Thalassemia
    February 8, 2023
  • Cook County Sherif Tom Dart
    Sheriff and District 230 honor students for public service hours
    February 3, 2023
  • Author Patrick Girondi
    Chicagoan who invested in research to save children releases new book
    February 3, 2023
  • Dr. Helen Edwards Fermilab particle physicist
    Foster, Durbin, Duckworth introduce resolution to name Fermilab Research Center after renowned physicist Dr. Helen Edwards
    February 3, 2023
  • Zwar Restaurant chicken and beef-lamb Shawarma Plate
    How to have a great Middle Eastern meal in Orland Park area
    January 31, 2023
John Kass Columns

Order the book PoweR PR; Ethnic Activists Guide to Strategic Communications

  • BUSINESS NEWS
  • Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar
    Cook County Announces Call for Transportation and Community Grant Program Applications
    January 23, 2023
  • money $20 dollar bill, dollars, cash
    Buckner unveils plan to help businesses and strengthen job
    January 19, 2023
  • United Airlines Flight at O'Hare Airport
    United offers endless airline travel problems for travelers
    December 25, 2022
  • Sam Bankman-Fried in an interview during the Bitcoin 2021 conference. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Demands continue for Lightfoot and Garcia to detail ties to FTX scandal
    December 15, 2022

YOUTUBE VIDEOS

Click this link to watch or use the widget below:

Click here to view the video on YouTube or use the widget below.
Email Ray Hanania for more information about performing at your event at rghanania@gmail.com.

Copyright © 2022 Suburban Chicagoland & Urban Strategies Group

Powered by PressBook Premium theme