Glen Ellyn trustees OK ethics rules

The Glen Ellyn board of trustees voted Monday to give final approval to a village ethics ordinance two years in the making.

The board voted 4-0 to approve the rules, which prohibit gift giving, political activity on public time, conflicts of interest and undue influence, and apply to elected and appointed officials and village employees. Trustee Pete Ladesic said he didn't support the ordinance as written, and voted present.

Following a series of discussions at village board meetings since 2009, Trustee Michelle Thorsell, one of the ordinance's original supporters, said she was casting a “resounding” vote in favor of the new rules.

“By passing this ordinance we are sending a message to people who count on us to provide good service, and we're sending a message to current and future employees,” she said.

Ladesic said he's been hearing continued concerns from some members of village commissions, who didn't think there had been enough time to vet the proposed ethics rules.

“I'm not one in favor of passing legislation and then seeing how it works and coming back and addressing it,” Ladesic said. “I've heard it said, ‘A poorly crafted piece of legislation is worse than none at all.'”

Trustee Peter Cooper, one of the ordinance's primary supporters, said members of the community have had years to provide input, and they've “urged us to adopt” it. He said there is “risk of ethical gray areas” as a result of the number of current members of commissions and the village board who have interests in land use and other commercial issues.

“Voltaire said, ‘The perfect is the enemy of the good.' It's not a perfect ordinance, but it's a good ordinance,” Cooper said.

A person found in violation of the rules could be fined anywhere up to $750. An ethics officer will be responsible for fielding complaints and making recommendations about possible action to the village board, including prosecution.

Village President Mark Pfefferman will appoint the ethics officer, who would likely be a volunteer, and have some background in legal matters, he said. The ordinance will take effect 30 days after that appointment is made and confirmed by the village board, or by May 29, whichever is sooner.

Village Attorney Stewart Diamond recommended the ordinance be reviewed within the next eight months to see if it is working effectively.