DuPage Official Wears Government Name Pin To Democratic Fundraiser

ELMHURST, IL – A DuPage County Forest Preserve commissioner is the latest official to be photographed wearing an official government name pin at a political fundraiser.

Under state law, political campaigns must be kept separate from government functions.

Last month, Barbara O'Meara, District 5's forest preserve commissioner, wore her official name tag for the York Township Democratic Organization's St. Patrick's Day Dinner in Lombard.

Since last year, Patch has reported on several area officials doing the same thing. Some have acknowledged the mistake, including a DuPage County Board member and an Elmhurst alderman running for county office.

Others have stayed silent, including a DuPage County Board member.

O'Meara did not return Patch's two messages for comment over the last week and a half.

In December, O'Meara's forest preserve colleague, District 2's Tina Tyson-Dunne, also stayed mum when asked about wearing her government-issued name tag to political events.

All are Democrats.

In November's general election, O'Meara faces Republican Michael Farmer.