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NEWS RELEASE

May 30, 2014

Contact:

Jennie Vana

Lake County Communications Manager

847-377-2154

 

Legislature Approves Standards of Conduct for
Government Appointees

The Illinois Legislature approved Standards of Conduct legislation (SB3552), spearheaded by Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor, which aims to enhance transparency, responsibility and accountability of appointed government bodies. The legislation is now headed to the governor's desk.

 

Lake County Board Chairman Lawlor championed the legislation and received support from State Senator Julie Morrison (29th District), who sponsored the bill in the senate, and Representative Sam Yingling (62nd District), who sponsored the bill in the house.

 

Lawlor said, "If signed by the governor, this law will create a culture of accountability for appointed officials, similar to those enacted by Lake County last fall. This is a significant achievement in ensuring every appointed board is held to the highest possible standard."

 

Lawlor led an effort in Lake County to create a Codes of Conduct for the more than 300 appointed officials that serve on various boards, commissions, and other special purpose units of government ranging from drainage and fire districts, to the transportation service boards, human services boards and the Board of Review.

 

"We have hundreds of individuals who answer the call to serve their community.  Each of their contributions is critically important to the vitality of Lake County.  This effort is meant to ensure the actions of a few do not taint the outstanding service of our over 300 volunteers," Lawlor said.

 

If signed into law, Collar County Boards would have authority to adopt an ordinance establishing a code of conduct regarding the accountability, fiscal responsibility, procurement authority, transparency, and ethical conduct of county appointees. It also provides a removal mechanism if there is a violation of the code of conduct. It requires that prior to removal from office, an appointee must be provided with reasonable notice of any violation and a hearing before the county board, or its designee.


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