SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to make Illinois’ local governments more accountable, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) is sponsoring legislation that would enable county boards to remove appointed officials who violate the public trust.

“If an appointed member of the Metra Board or any other important local board or commission can’t meet ethical standards, there needs to be a way to remove that person,” Morrison said.

Morrison’s legislation, introduced at the request of Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor, allows the county boards of the collar counties to remove appointed officials by a 2/3rds majority vote. To initiate the process, the county board or county executive would have to find that the appointed official violated the county’s code of conduct, and the county board would have to hold a hearing.

“My goal is to create a culture of accountability for those who we appoint to positions of public trust,” Lawlor said. “We can’t wait for the next scandal or golden parachute. By working proactively, we can set a clear expectation for our appointees and ensure they know what is expected of them when they are making significant policy and financial decisions that impact our communities and taxpayers. ”

There are dozens of boards and commissions with appointed members in Lake County alone. Once the county board or executive appoints someone to serve on one of these boards, he or she is not subject to any oversight until the term of the appointment expires. These boards and commissions include the Metra Board, the Pace Board, zoning boards, fire protection districts and more.

Morrison’s legislation, Senate Bill 3552, passed the Senate Local Government Committee. It now moves to the full Senate.