Story posted Friday, June 26, 2009
Should Volunteers Be Questioned?
Some Unhappy With Ordinance That May Allow Public Scrutiny
By TODD WESSELL Journal & Topics Editor
The chairman of the Des Plaines Economic Development Commission (EDC) has lashed out at the suggestion that nominated members of certain volunteer city panels be subjected to public scrutiny concerning companies they work for and information about their business partners.
Jim Ulett, a longtime member of the EDC, said that if aldermen agree to adopt an ordinance requiring such scrutiny that "all city volunteers are at risk as well as our city." He added, "My suggestion to these two very qualified applicants is to run away as fast as you can." He was referring to two individuals recently appointed to the EDC.
Ulett's comments that were made at the June 10 EDC meeting, came following city council discussion on June 1 whether the two individuals nominated to serve on the commission be asked publicly about certain business dealings. Community Development Committee chairman Ald. Rosemary Argus (8th) raised the issue on June 1 explaining that she believes people under consideration to serve on certain commissions should be open to questions such as the names of their business partners.
"I feel we have the right for transparency's sake," said Argus at the time. She said in some cases, people asked to serve on commissions are real estate brokers who are asked to advise the city on real estate matters. As for the two individuals nominated to the EDC, Argus and others were aware at the time that he is the owner of a company that employs Ald. Jim Brookman (5th). Brookman said that Argus knew that fact because he told her. He also said that before Argus raised the issue, he suggested that he abstain from voting on his employer's appointment. Brookman did abstain at the June 15 meeting when the two individuals appointments were confirmed.
"I have served as a volunteer on this commission for over 20 years and under six different mayors and never heard such political grandstanding as I did that evening in June," said Ulett in a written statement read at the June 1 EDC meeting. "The city has no ordinance in place suggesting full disclosure of financial records, business partners and business connections for a volunteer."
Ulett added that if aldermen adopt an ordinance requiring full disclosure by EDC members, then it must include all city commissions. But added, Ulett, "I will not support such an ordinance and would advise all who serve this commission to be weary. Politics has no place on this commission."
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