State Rep. Farnham: Elect Fox water board

If State Rep. Keith Farnham has his way, members of the Fox River Water Reclamation Board would be elected rather than appointed — a move, he says, that is aimed at increasing accountability.

The Elgin Democrat's proposed legislation would end current board members' terms at the end of the year and have five new members elected in November.

“The goal of this bill is to create a nonpartisan board that's held directly responsible to the voters,” Farnham said.

The board, currently appointed by state lawmakers, is responsible for the Fox River wastewater treatment for more than 150,000 residents.

Robert Trueblood, executive director of the water reclamation district, said members of the board have briefly discussed the proposed change and have “more questions than answers.”

“At the last meeting, a few members showed support for the measure while some showed opposition,” he said.

Before the legislation is brought for a vote in Springfield, board members want to know more details about how the election would be held, Trueblood said.

Farnham said the goal is to take partisan politics out of the process since, often, Democrats appoint Democrats and Republicans appoint Republicans.

“Any time we can take partisanship out of the picture and let the voters decide things like this I think is a good thing,” he said.