Vote: New Lenox Patch's Person of the Year

The nominations are in, and it's up to your vote now to name the 2011 New Lenox Patch person of the year.

From youth leaders to elected officials, there are some great choices. After a week of nominations, we got seven names for you to consider. Read below for a short description of the people nominated, with words provided by the people who suggested them, and then vote in the poll.

Want to state your case to other readers? Then talk up your favorite in the comments. Voting ends at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12.

Tim Baldermann: The New Lenox mayor got two nominations from people who said he's committed to a high quality of life for New Lenox residents. "He is up to speed on issues and is not afraid to take on the big guns when it comes to what he deems necessary and best for the people of New Lenox," another person said. This year he led the Village Board in finding lower electricity rates and approving a large capital improvements project. He also brought famous athletes and bands to the village.

JoAnn Gleason: Gleason volunteers her time to community projects and never asks for anything in return. She works for the State Bank of Manhattan, is the volunteer coordinator for the and is an active participant for many committees at the of New Lenox.

Dan Martin: When you get 16 nominations from people in the community, you must be doing something right. Martin started the New Lenox CERT team just a few years ago, and in 2011 membership has grown exponentially with a large retention rate. The CERT team won the Governer's Hometown award as well as a first-place finish in the Prairie State CERT Challenge. He's also the public safety division chief at the New Lenox Police Department.

Al Martineck Jr.: Martineck Jr. is the originator of Junior Knights and Junior Warriors football, as well as the Lincoln-Way Central booster club president. He received four nominations.

Bill Schade: Schade is scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 44 and dedicates many hours, days, and time dedicated to it, serving as a great role model to the boys.

Bill Thomson: He organizes and administers the New Lenox Scout Food Drive,  which this year brought in about 47,000 food items for the three local food pantries. He was on the New Lenox Relay for Life committee.

Lou Vargas: The commander of the local VFW Post 9545 won the Veterans Assistance Commission award this year and the Illinois Veteran of the Month in July. He implemented a program to have a service officer at the VFW on Tuesdays to help all veterans with their need of help on claims and compensation.