New board members appointed - but not without some drama

The Lake County Board returned to its full roster of 23 members Tuesday night by appointing three new commissioners - but not without a bit of political intrigue.

One veteran county board member questioned whether one of the appointees actually was a member of the political party he claimed to represent. Another commissioner voted "present" for the same appointee, saying unspecified political figures tried to influence his vote. Other than those curious hiccups, however, the appointments went smoothly.

Republicans Aaron Lawlor of Vernon Hills and Craig Taylor of Lake Zurich were named to the panel, as was Democrat Collin O'Rourke of Waukegan.

Lawlor and Taylor replace veteran Republicans Pam Newton and Michael Talbett, who recently resigned to take administrative positions at local villages. O'Rourke replaces Bob Sabonjian, who quit to become mayor of Waukegan.

Although Sabonjian won election in Waukegan as an independent candidate, he last ran for the county board as a Democrat, so legally a Democrat had to replace him.

O'Rourke's appointment was criticized by Democrat Angelo Kyle, who complained that Democrats were not included in the nomination and interview process.

Kyle also questioned whether O'Rourke actually was a Democrat because he pulled a Green Party ticket in a 2008 primary election.

"I just have some reservations about whether Mr. O'Rourke - is a bona fide Democrat," Kyle said.

In response, Chief Deputy State's Attorney Meg Marcouiller told the board O'Rourke qualifies as a Democrat because the last ballot he pulled was for that party's candidates.

Kyle eventually voted to give O'Rourke a seat in the board room. Only two commissioners didn't: Democrat Diane Hewitt, who opposed all three nominations, and Democrat Terry Wilke. Wilke voted "present," which legally counts with the majority. Before the vote, he explained his unusual move by saying "things were offered to me for my vote on this."

After the meeting, Wilke said board Chairwoman Suzi Schmidt offered to make him vice chairman of the planning committee if he supported O'Rourke's nomination.

Schmidt, a Republican who recommended the three nominees, strongly denied the accusation. Although she spoke to many members about the proposed appointments, she said she never offered Wilke a leadership post in exchange for a "yes" vote.

Lawlor, Taylor and O'Rourke also will serve on the Lake County Forest Preserve District board.