A Conflict Of Interest For Elmhurst Alderman?

ELMHURST, IL – An alderman who is involved in the solar industry joined three of his colleagues in requesting rules promoting solar power.

A conflict of interest?

In an email to Patch on Wednesday, Alderman Rex Irby, who was elected in April, said it was not. He said he would vote on ordinances that adjust rules dealing with solar power.

"My input is valuable and needed for this process and has no financial incentive for me to make those deliberative inputs and outcomes," he said.

However, Irby said his company would not respond to any city solicitations for solar materials and services.

He also said he would not vote on such bids, "not because it's prohibited but because it's an appearance of a conflict of interest."

Months ago, Irby and aldermen Mike Brennan, Chris Jensen and Jacob Hill requested the city consider regulations requiring builders to accommodate solar panels in new homes.

This week, the City Council's Development, Planning and Zoning Committee decided to hold off on any such rules. Members said they wanted to see how the state would handle the fast-changing industry.