Elgin leader quits over ethics violation

Citing a conflict of interest and an "honest mistake" with the Chicago Bandits softball team, Elgin City Council member Mike Powers stepped down from his post Monday.

Powers, who was elected to a four-year term in spring 2007, said in a prepared statement that he had accepted a $3,000 fee in March for marketing recommendations made to the team, which signed on to play games at Judson University through 2010.

Powers, who could not be reached for additional comment, said even though he was not on the team's payroll it was a violation of the city's ethics ordinance when he voted yes in May on $711,000 worth of city-funded renovations to the Bandits' stadium.

"This was an honest mistake on my part and I take full responsibility for it," part of the statement read. "This is in no way should reflect badly on either the city of Elgin or the Chicago Bandits ballclub. They are both outstanding organizations. I have enjoyed serving the city as a councilman and will miss doing the job."

Powers' statement also said he plans to repay the money.

Fellow council members were surprised with the immediate resignation.

"I think it's a sad situations for the city to have that happen," said Councilman David Kaptain. "He brought a fresh outlook as to how the city markets itself."

Added Councilman John Walters: "I feel bad for him."

Bandits owner Bill Conroy said Powers approached him about a full-time marketing consultant position that was supposed to start June 1. Conroy said it seemed natural since Powers had great area connections, so the team paid him $3,000 in advance, which would have been his monthly salary.

"I didn't think anything of it at the time," Conroy said. "Mike has done a very good job for the city of Elgin and has been a big reason why we moved to the city."

Bill Cogley, the city's corporation council, could not be reached for comment Monday.

Unlike school boards, which must fill vacancies within 45 days, there is no time for the council to fill his seat. Kaptain said he feels the council should leave the seat vacant until the regular council election next spring.