Public Officials Shouldn't Lobby During Public Comment

The following letter was written and submitted by Susan Zingle.

Recently there have been two presentations to the Illinois State Tollway Authority board in public comment regarding the extension of Route 53 into Lake County.

Both were made by professionals in their fields – one by County Board member Sid Mathias, and the second by Mark Stevens, of Lake County Partners.

Public comment was designed for individuals like me – just folk -who have an interest in something involving the tollway, but no good way to communicate it. It is very much appreciated by those who utilize it. I do diligently review the agendas of upcoming tollway committee and board meetings, to see if there is something of immediate concern where I might want to attend and hear the discussion first hand.

So, imagine my surprise last month when I opened the newspaper the morning after the board meeting to see that Sid Mathias spoke in public comment about 40 mayoral letters supporting the extension of Route 53 into Lake County. And my surprise today to hear Mark Stevens. I object. Using public comment to allow an elected official or business leader to announce a development on a controversial project like the extension of 53 very neatly circumvents the agenda process with the attendant public notice requirements that allow everyone the ability to be aware of topics under discussion and to participate fully in the meeting. It flies in the face of the purpose of the open meetings act. It is an insult to everyone who is following the issue. You’d almost think they were afraid there would be opposition.

Now Sid Mathias is a former Illinois State Representative and a current Lake County Board member. He, like Aaron Lawlor, has a ready line of communication either directly to you (Mr. Schillerstrom) or through Nick Sauer – a line of communication that my colleagues and I do not enjoy. Mark Stevens is here today with Barry Burton, Lake County Board administrator. I am sure that the board would like to maintain a collegial relationship with all the elected officials, so when an official suggests he’s going to stop in, you welcome him.

Perhaps the next time, you can welcome him with an informational agenda item, so we can all be aware and give the announcement the focus and attention it deserves.

Susan Zingle

Wadsworth, IL