Diane DeLonjay resigned from her position as the City of Green Park’s deputy city clerk on June 30.

She served in the position for 17 years. 

“I have truly valued the opportunity to serve this community and work alongside so many dedicated individuals over the years,” a written statement by DeLonjay reads. “However, due to recent events and ongoing circumstances that have made it increasingly difficult for me to perform my duties in a productive and respectful environment, I believe it is time for me to move on.”

She went on to say that the decision did not come easily as she cares deeply about the city, its residents and the business community, and closed the statement by giving thanks to those who supported her throughout the years.

It is unclear if or when Green Park will take any steps to hire someone in place of DeLonjay, as the city did not respond to The Call’s request for comment. 

DeLonjay’s cited reasons for stepping down closely mirror former Green Park mayor Tim Thuston’s, who resigned from his position on June 16. Thuston served on the Green Park board as a Ward 2 alderman from 2007 to 2019, and as the mayor from 2019 until recently resigning. He ran unopposed for his fourth term as mayor this past April.

“I’m proud of the work we’ve done together and grateful for the trust so many of you have placed in me,” Thuston said to the board at its June meeting. “Unfortunately, the ongoing tension and strife between myself, the board and the new administration have made it increasingly difficult to serve effectively. I believe in working together for the good of the city, but that has become unworkable in the current environment. Rather than continue in conflict, I’m choosing to step aside so that Green Park can move forward.”

Thuston, similarly to DeLonjay, closed his statement by wishing the Green Park community the best and thanking his constituents for the opportunity to serve as their elected official.

Over the years that DeLonjay and Thuston served Green Park, the city — which was officially approved for incorporation in 1995 — saw quite a few changes. A new code enforcement system was implemented, city streets were renovated and upgraded and street lighting was expanded throughout residential neighborhoods, enhancing public safety.