Vote Expected on Ethics Ordinance Tonight

On the agenda at tonight's Village Board meeting is the second reading of a proposed ethics ordinance and a vote is expected tonight to finally put the issue to rest. Glen Ellyn trustees have been working out the kinks on the ordinance for over two years.

The proposed ordinance would apply to elected village board members, volunteer board and commission members and village employees. At the last Village Board meeting on Feb. 14 a straw vote showed a 5-0 vote for approving the ordinance with Trustee Peter Ladesic voting present. 

Residents at the Feb. 14 meeting were vocal in telling the board it was time to stop debating and move forward.

“Pass this ethics ordinance,” resident Jean Kaczmarek told trustees. “If I can live with it, you can live with it. Please do the right thing for Glen Ellyn and pass a strong ethics ordinance. There must be consequences for violating the public trust.”

Officials made several changes once again to the ordinance at the last meeting, which included eliminating the minimum fine  for violations when it had previously set at $250. Trustee Carl Henninger, who requested the reduction, said he felt better about letting a judge decide what the fine would be. Trustees Michelle Thorsell, James Comerford and Peter Cooper voted against the reduction.

If the board votes to approve the ordinance tonight, it will go into effect within 90 days of the vote, or 30 days from the date an ethics officer is hired. At the Feb. 14 meeting, Village President Mark Pfefferman indicated he had an idea of who he would be choosing for the volunteer position, but did not name any names.

Tonight's Village Board meeting starts at 8 p.m. in the Civic Center's Galligan Board Room.