County ethics reform proposal gets warm reception

Kane County Board members Wednesday debated the review process for a new ethics proposal hailed as a "major legislative change" in the way the county does business.

Board member Jim Mitchell introduced the first changes to the county's ethics laws in at least six years. The changes would rewrite the code of conduct for county board members. If approved in its current form, the new laws would limit political contributions to no more than $1,000 per calendar year from anyone who does business with or seeks business with the county, or is appointed by the county board to a paid position. County board members would also be limited in their ability to take a paid appointment or receive a county job.

All board members who spoke, including Chairman Karen McConnaughay, agreed it is a good time to consider changes to the ethics laws. There was disagreement, though, on how those changes would be considered. Mitchell wants discussion by the full county board so everyone can publicly state their support or opposition to any part of the proposal. However, the county board's Executive Committee sent the proposal to the Human Services Committee for review.

The discussion that followed showed Mitchell's proposal is unlikely to pass without revisions. Board member Cathy Hurlbut said the proposals to limit people to take a paid appointment by the county board or receive a county job are targeted at certain individuals. Hurlbut would not elaborate, and denied she's campaigning to become the county's director of planning and development.

Board member John Fahy said the ethics proposal doesn't go far enough. He wants to see limitations on the employment of people related to elected officials.

"People don't like when elected officials' family members are working for the county," Fahy maintained.

Several elected officials have or recently had relatives on the county payroll. Coroner Chuck West's son, Eric, works in the coroner's office. At least three members of Kane County State's Attorney John Barsanti's family have had seasonal or other positions with the county. Public Defender David Kliment's wife and daughter have had county jobs. McConnaughay's son-in-law is an employee in the county's information technology department. Mitchell's wife, Linda, works in the county clerk's office.

After the meeting, Mitchell said he's optimistic about ethics reform.

"This is a good way to put the rumors to rest," Mitchell said. "There are probably seven people, as I count it, who don't want this. The rest of the board, I think, will vote for it. The full board needs to review it."