I applaud the efforts of Vernon Hills in its movement to adopt ethics policies for the village’s elected officials. It would be joining many other suburbs that already have ethics ordinances.
Receiving campaign contributions of more than $100, or accepting invitations, or free services or gifts worth more than $100, would have to be disclosed. In the case of a conflict of interest with a local business because of these courtesies, those officials would have to refrain from voting on those issues. Violations would result in heavy fines.
In my opinion, Wheeling and Prospect Heights would be well-served if they would also adopt ethics policies. Then, when matters come up that will benefit companies that do business with the villages, like Priester Aviation at Palwaukee Municipal Airport, those officials with conflicts would not be able to vote.
Priester Aviation should not be contributing large sums of money to candidates for public office in Wheeling and Prospect Heights. It should not be providing private jets and associated perks to aldermen and trustees for the purpose of lobbying for airport legislation. Elected airport commissioners, especially those with connections to the aircraft industry, should also be restricted from accepting these favors.
Some elected officials don’t see that what they are doing is unethical–especially if it’s not illegal. Wheeling and Prospect Heights should make this kind of conduct illegal. Then there will be no question in anyone’s mind about what the officials should not be doing.
