Nepotism discussed in hiring of Kane County judge’s son

Nepotism became an unusual agenda item for a Kane County Board Committee Thursday. The county board’s Administrative Committee took the rare step of publicly discussing an entry-level employee as board members said they’ve received several questions about the recent hiring of Chief Judge F. Keith Brown’s son.

The county’s Information Technology Department hired Marcus Brown shortly before Judge Brown brokered a settlement in the lawsuit between the county board and Circuit Court Clerk Deb Seyller. The settlement included the exploration of a computer system upgrade for the court system and judiciary that may cost up to $12.6 million. Roger Fahnestock, executive director of information technology, sits on a the committee exploring the purchase and implementation of the new computer system along with Judge Brown. Fahnestock had the final say in hiring Marcus Brown, and said Thursday the county wanted to fill the slot Marcus Brown was hired into long before the settlement.

Fahnestock said Marcus Brown had the education and background they were looking for, and he interviewed well.

“He fit the requirements perfectly,” Fahnestock said.

Administration Committee Chairman Drew Frasz said board members had no indication Marcus Brown would even be considered for the job when they voted to create an exemption to the county’s hiring freeze.

“It came to the committee, and we voted to fill the position,” Frasz said. “After that, we have nothing to do with it. It goes to the department director, and it’s their decision to hire the best person.”

County board member Hollie Lindgren said she didn’t understand why the hiring was even being discussed.

“Let me understand this,” Lindgren said. “Is there a problem?”

“There’s no problem, but I’ve had some comments that this committee hired someone who was a relative of someone else,” Frasz answered.

“Would they have made the same comments if he wasn’t hired because he was related to somebody?” Lindgren said.

“Well, this is the microscope we live under,” Frasz responded.”

The salary for Marcus Brown’s position with one to three years experience ranges from $30,000 to $35,000.

Judge Brown has denied engineering any deal to hire his son.