BY JOHN KRAFT & KIRK ALLEN Madison Co., IL. (ECWd) – We previously wrote about Madison County Board Member Mike Walters’ alleged financial conflict of interest with his “consulting” contract with Madison County Transit (MCT) (here). Now we have learned that Walters was also appointed to the East-West Gateway Council (EWGC) of Governments. The EWGC’s
BY JOHN KRAFT & KIRK ALLEN
Madison Co., IL. (ECWd) –
We previously wrote about Madison County Board Member Mike Walters’ alleged financial conflict of interest with his “consulting” contract with Madison County Transit (MCT) (here).
Now we have learned that Walters was also appointed to the East-West Gateway Council (EWGC) of Governments.
The EWGC’s bylaws have conflicting sections. In Section 2(7) where is lists members of the Board of Directors, it states “Regional Citizen or elected county or municipal official from the County of Madison” – but in Section 3. Appointment of Regional Citizens, Subparagraph “A. Eligibility”, it clearly states that “Regional Citizens shall not be elected officials.”
As part of his appointed job as a Director of the EWGC, Walters votes on grant funding for Madison County Transit – the very government he has a $5000 per month consulting contract with, and the government with which he was placed in the position of voting for one of its Directors, who in turn, votes to pay Walters (and actually signs the checks).
Here is what we have so far:
- Walters is a county board member
- Waters is also appointed to the East-West Gateway Council of Governments (EWGC)
- EWCG votes to approve millions of dollars in federal and state grants to Madison County Transit
- Walters may be called upon to vote for appointing a board member to the Madison County Transit
- Walters enters into a contract with Madison County Transit
- Madison County Transit (which includes the appointed board members) vote and approve the Walters contract
- Walters uses his county email for his private contract work
Wrapping it up: Walters votes to appoint his boss at MCT (from his position as Madison County Board Member), votes to pay his bosses at MCT (from his position on EWGC), all while his bosses at MCT vote to approve his consulting contract every month.
We would hope that any effort to seek an opinion from the Attorney General’s Opinions Bureau would also include this tidbit of information for their consideration.
More on this in future articles.
Help Us Keep Shining The Light On Local Governments
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RIPLBER
Posted at 07:49h, 01 June
ReplyHow could they allow a paid lobbyist from MCT to vote on federal funds for MCT? Oh wait! It’s Madison County where the corrupt Democrats have taught the corrupt Republicans how to line your own pockets and ignore the law and the taxpayer.
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Buffalo Tracer
Posted at 09:22h, 01 June
ReplyHow dumb can these people be? It’s like a quid pro quo circle jerk.
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GW ONE
Posted at 10:19h, 01 June
ReplyRepublicans learned well from Democrats when it comes to hiring. Republicans have teamed up with others Republican elected officials to have family, friends and friends of friends hired in various County offices and departments. I wonder if the family and friends hires are qualified? I wonder if the family and friends hiring program pays family members and friends more?
I wonder if these jobs were created as patronage positions recently, or jobs existing already to reward select people? How about a County Ordinance prohibiting nepotism when hiring is done in Madison County.? -
Publius
Posted at 11:48h, 01 June
ReplyGW ONE right you are, you do not have to look any further than the Treasurers office to see the unqualified McRea boy is second in command to know the Republicans are learning bad habits. It’s all about the jobs, not the constituents.
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PK
Posted at 12:16h, 01 June
ReplyAnother disgusting Illinois political scheme is spot-lighted by Illinois Leaks. Get wisk broom out for sure, but this clean-up might need a snow shovel.
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Thrasher
Posted at 16:22h, 01 June
ReplyWhat is the process for removing a sitting County Board representative?
RIPLBER
Posted at 07:49h, 01 June
Reply
How could they allow a paid lobbyist from MCT to vote on federal funds for MCT? Oh wait! It’s Madison County where the corrupt Democrats have taught the corrupt Republicans how to line your own pockets and ignore the law and the taxpayer.
Buffalo Tracer
Posted at 09:22h, 01 June
Reply
How dumb can these people be? It’s like a quid pro quo circle jerk.
GW ONE
Posted at 10:19h, 01 June
Reply
Republicans learned well from Democrats when it comes to hiring. Republicans have teamed up with others Republican elected officials to have family, friends and friends of friends hired in various County offices and departments. I wonder if the family and friends hires are qualified? I wonder if the family and friends hiring program pays family members and friends more?
I wonder if these jobs were created as patronage positions recently, or jobs existing already to reward select people? How about a County Ordinance prohibiting nepotism when hiring is done in Madison County.?
Publius
Posted at 11:48h, 01 June
Reply
GW ONE right you are, you do not have to look any further than the Treasurers office to see the unqualified McRea boy is second in command to know the Republicans are learning bad habits. It’s all about the jobs, not the constituents.
PK
Posted at 12:16h, 01 June
Reply
Another disgusting Illinois political scheme is spot-lighted by Illinois Leaks. Get wisk broom out for sure, but this clean-up might need a snow shovel.
Thrasher
Posted at 16:22h, 01 June
Reply
What is the process for removing a sitting County Board representative?