Dupage Policy Journal

Mickey Straub, the former mayor of Burr Ridge, Illinois, announced in a Facebook post Saturday that he is moving to Hendersonville, Tennessee.

“After 40 years in Illinois, it felt like time for a new beginning, coupled with the desire for better taxes, weather, and politics,” Straub wrote. “We will truly miss all the great friends we’ve made in IL over the years. We found the ideal city, Hendersonville, TN, and yes, I’ve gotten to know the mayor and met many incredible neighbors and residents already."

Straub also stated that he plans to move into a new home in October.              

Straub was elected to two four-year terms as mayor in 2013 and 2017 but resigned 18 months into his second term in November 2018, the Chicago Tribune reported.

“Five and a half (5 ½) years doesn’t sound like much, but it’s almost 10% of my life and I’m sorry, but I can no longer afford (or justify) spending 20-30 hours per week as mayor for an annual stipend of $6,000,” Straub stated on his website.

At the time, he told the Chicago Tribune that his resignation was not due to criticism he received over an email he sent urging residents to vote against a Hinsdale High School referendum or accusations of mismanagement as mayor, which came from many supporters of Illinois House Republican leader Jim Durkin.                    

In a campaign marked by vitriolic exchanges, Straub ran against Durkin in the March 2018 primary to serve as the state representative from District 82, Capitol Fax reported. Straub challenged Durkin after mailers were sent out in his community of Burr Ridge, linking Straub with Democrat House Speaker Micheal Madigan, that allegedly spread lies that "could not be further from the truth" Straub said.

Durkin won the primary with 67.6% of the vote to 32.4% for Straub.