Patrick O'Malley will head the Blue Ribbon Committee for the Illinois State Crime Commission, seeking greater insight to both matters. The objective, according to the Commission, is to give citizens a fair and balanced overview of the current gaming situation.

A possible link between the billboard and casino issues wasn't mentioned by the Commission. What was mentioned was the fact that several residents of Des Plaines contacted the commission, asking to have a series of actions taken by officials reviewed.

According to a press release, the Commission does not support legalized gambling, but realizes it's here to stay in Illinois. Rosemont and Des Plaines are the finalists for the 10th casino license.

"To date, there have been numerous inquiries and investigations into the activities and personnel in Rosemont," an Illinois State Crime Commission press release states. "Yet, to our knowledge, there have been no similar substantive inquiries into the city of Des Plaines, even though many citizens have raised questions."

In September, Rosemont Mayor Donald Stephens commissioned a study into his own town in an effort to quiet rumblings of an organized crime influence and strengthen Rosemont's chances of luring a casino license.

The Blue Ribbon Committee plans to put together an overview during this inquiry by listening to testimony from local citizens.