Aurora proposal aims to limit potential for mayoral conflict of interest
The measure would prohibit the mayor from holding outside employment.
A proposal in Illinois’ second-largest city would prohibit its mayor from holding outside employment while in the office, an effective way to combat potential conflicts of interest.
An alderman introduced the measure July 7 to the Aurora City Council’s Committee of the Whole. It would prohibit the mayor from holding outside employment, being self-employed or receiving referral fees while in the office.
The annual salary for Aurora’s mayor is about $185,300, with an additional $1,000 for serving as liquor control commissioner.
The provision would apply only to the mayor, not aldermen, because aldermanic positions are part-time and many council members maintain full-time employment outside their elected office. The proposal was referred to the Rules, Administration and Procedures Committee.
The measure in Aurora is more than asked of state lawmakers, who are permitted to work as property tax attorneys and even lobbyists. More than that, they’re on the honor system when voting on legislation in which they might have a conflict of interest.
Illinois is one of just 12 states that does not require lawmakers to disclose any conflict of interest before a vote, to recuse themselves from voting on any legislation where they have a conflict of interest, or both.
Illinois State Rep. Carol Ammons was indicted July 7 on charges of wire fraud, making false statements to a federal investigator and obstruction of justice in an alleged apparent scheme to divert state grant money to herself and her daughter.
Key to the case is the alleged conflict of interest of Ammons aiding in arranging appropriations for state grants to go to Hood Votes Neighborhood Transformation, where her daughter was program director.
Illinois State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Aurora, will leave the General Assembly in January after losing her primary bid for state comptroller. In the meantime, she has already started as executive director at the Construction Industry Service Corp.
So while still working for her constituents, she’ll also be working for a labor union management non-profit, according to Capitol Fax.
The Aurora proposal provides a good example for state lawmakers.