***Update 1:30 p.m.: Their lips say no, but the timing feels like there’s some piling on.*** **Update 9:45 a.m.: Here’s the latest put up by RRStar. I do NOT agree that WCFPD has a credibility problem (stated at the end of the article). Instead, I’d argue that any credibility problem is Randy Olson’s alone at…
Tag: Open Meetings Act
Lots of Good FOIA and OMA Action in Winnebago Forest Preserve District
*Update 10:45 p.m.: Olson is out as district president! The story is here. But that’s not all! Find bonus Chuck Sweeney here with free shipping!* The Rockford Register Star used the Freedom of Information Act to obtain e-mails to and from Winnebago Forest Preserve district president Randy Olson that trace the process of creating a…
Winnebago Forest Preserve Power Struggle Continues
In a continuation of this story, Winnebago Forest Preserve District president Randy Olson has created and staffed a public safety job without the approval — and indeed in defiance of — a majority of the board. And, it appears the move might even be legal: Olson’s authorization of the hire is a rare move in…
Alorton & Open Meetings Act Do-Overs
Back in February I alerted you to the resignation of the mayor of Alorton, because it seemed the investigation and scandal had something to do with Tax Increment Financing (TIF). Turns out it had little if anything to do with TIF and a lot to do with shakedowns at traffic stops. Now Alorton is back…
Winnebago Forest Preserve Board Smacks Down Perceived Abuses by Its President
Four Winnebago Forest Preserve Board commissioners — a majority — are accusing the board president of misusing a closed session meeting in an attempt to create a new position. Chuck Sweeney examines the letter the commissioners sent to board president Randy Olson: First, it says, “We believe the Board was placed in jeopardy by using…
Chicago-Kent Center for Open Government Requests Legal Review of the DeKalb Public Library Expansion Process
[Update 1 added 2/23/2012 after the jump.] [Update 2 added 2/24/2010] Click on either image to access larger versions. I’ll note additions to this post, if any, at the City Barbs Blog Facebook page as well.
Who & What Sparked the Sparland Investigation
In “Sparland Officials Resign Amid Investigations, Controversy” we learned that most of the officials of the Village of Sparland resigned in December and that it had to do with investigations into possible Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act violations. But we were missing something. [Resident Margaret] Murry asked for records that included meeting…
Sparland Officials Resign Amid Investigations, Controversy
The (Peoria) Journal-Star reports that five elected officials of the central Illinois community of Sparland have resigned this month. The departing officials are Mayor Linda Medearis, Village Clerk Susan Persinger, Treasurer Margo Danger-Smith, and trustees Louis Lenz and Ralph McCasky. All have recently submitted notarized letters of resignation. […] The resignations come in the wake…
City Claims Ellwood Plan a Product of Public Meetings. It’s Not
I kinda figured they would do this (my emphasis). II. Background: In May, 2010, community members, financial institutions and city officials participated in an informational meeting to discuss the progress of the 2003 North 5th Ward Neighborhood Plan. The meeting was facilitated by the Center for Governmental Studies on behalf of the City. The meeting…
AG Says City of DeKalb Did Not Violate Open Meetings Act in April
Just as I was thinking it must be time to check whether something got lost in the mail, news of the Attorney General’s Public Access Counselor’s (PAC’s) decision arrived about a possible Open Meetings Act (OMA) violation made by the City of DeKalb last April. Back then I submitted to the PAC a Request for…