Winnebago County chairman drops re-election bid amid probe

ROCKFORD, Ill. (AP) - The chairman of a county board in northern Illinois said he's not running for re-election at the same time as federal authorities are investigating county spending irregularities.

Winnebago County Board Chairman Scott Christiansen told the Rockford Register Star (http://bit.ly/1nZaKip ) on Sunday that he wouldn't run for another term. He said his decision has nothing to do with the FBI investigation into the former county purchasing director.

When he was told about the abnormalities he "called the state's attorney, who called in the sheriff, who called in the FBI," Christiansen said. "I wish I could say more, but I can't."

On Sept. 11 the county's director of purchasing, Sally Claassen, resigned after an internal investigation found irregular purchasing procedures. Christiansen and Auditor William Crowley were subpoenaed last year in connection with the investigation.

No criminal charges have been filed against any county employees.

Christiansen said he chose not to seek another term because he wants to focus on his health and his family. He turns 63 in March and has been chairman since 2004.

"I had a lot of people pushing me to run," he said. "But now I've decided that absolutely, it's time to end it. I just don't have the fire anymore."

The current FBI investigation included agents seizing from Christiansen's house a $4,200 sauna bought with county money for the county's wellness program. It was at his home for about a year before he and his brother took it to the county's Public Safety Building.

Christiansen said he was trying the sauna to see if it would improve his health.

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Information from: Rockford Register Star, http://www.rrstar.com