By Wayne Horne
Most of us have an image or a definition of our belief as to what a leader is supposed to be. From time to time that expectation is not what we expected it should be. During this last year several individuals believed to be acting in the public’s best interest have come under scrutiny. Joliet Township has two elected officials who seem to demonstrate they are not obligated to follow the rules of government. For instance, Joliet Township Trustee Karl Ferrell has been technically removed from his seat on the township board by court order because he is ineligible due to his status as a felon. He has managed to delay his removal until October when a hearing on the matter is scheduled with the Illinois Prisoner Review Board. If his status as a felon changes, the issue becomes moot and goes away.
Joliet Township Supervisor, Angel Contreras is facing several felony charges, the latest being a DUI he received last June 19th in Joliet. The position he holds on the Township board administers the General Assistance program and he is also treasurer of all Township funds among other responsibilities. In other words, he holds a position of trust and responsibility. As is the case with most public officials, character matters. Whether Contreras is able to hold on to his elected office is yet to be determined.
The most recent demonstration of responsibility and character among local officials occurred with current Joliet City Councilman Pat Mudron. He claimed ignorance of the requirement to disclose his insurance business contracts with the Rialto Theatre and the Joliet Historical Museum. Mudron serves on City Council Committees for Diversity & Community Relations, Finance, and Joliet’s baseball stadium. He also serves as the liaison to the Rialto Theatre. The City of Joliet provides financial assistance to the Rialto. He never disclosed his business relationships, as required annually, on his Illinois’ ethics disclosure form. He has been replaced in that role by Mayor Bob O’Dekirk. Apparently, soliciting and doing the insurance business is not a problem but not revealing the conflict of interest is a problem and deemed unethical.
Another party to that same unethical transaction is the CEO of the Rialto board. He never asked for a vote from the board to change to an insurance carrier represented by Mudron. Since it is a public body subject to the Illinois Open Meetings Act, (OMA) the board is required to make all votes at a public meeting as a requirement of the OMA. It’s not an egregious violation but it could negate the transaction until it is made public. Again, it is a violation of trust in a public official.
Given the nature of the transaction, it does raise another question. Since all of the transaction was held without public disclosure, was there any loss of coverage or change in the policy? Price is not necessarily the best barometer of an insurance policy’s value. The Rialto is an older structure and does not possess the safety of fire suppression water sprinklers. That was one of the reasons the former insurance carrier raised the insurance premium, according to published reports. Perhaps weather damage could also occur that could cause loss of all or a partial loss of the structure. Could it be restored to its present beauty under the new coverage?
Character, or lack thereof, often plays a valuable role in our public officials. Following the rules usually ensures things will be done correctly. It also instills public trust of those charged with the responsibilities of office. We should always expect a high standard of integrity and accountability of our public officials. Character does matter.
One last thing… a local news story published this last week caught my attention. It was about a photographer’s exhibit at St Joe’s hospital. One of the photograph’s has actually been displayed in one of the hospital’s hallways for several years. Prior to its display at Ascension St. Joseph hospital, it also hung for several years in the lobby entrance to the well-known Al’s Steakhouse on West Jefferson Street. The framed picture was taken by photographer Bob Campbell for what was intended to be a posed picture setting for a family Christmas gift.
It was dinnertime and the children in the photo had been less than patient waiting for the camera to do its work. It became obvious the battle for calm had been lost and Campbell decided to snap the picture of the children as they were impatiently waiting to be “posed.”. The photo captures the almost visible thoughts of the group. Why do I know this? Those six children are mine and my wife’s grandchildren. It’s a great reminder of a wonderful time shared and I hope a gift of innocence to be shared with others. It’s many years later now and four of the six are over 21, one is 19 this month and the other will be 19 next month. It’s a wonderful memory. Thanks, Bob.
Stay tuned…
