The attorney for Citizens for Higgins confirmed on Apr. 7 that a settlement has been reached in the legal case involving multiple parties, but the details will remain confidential due to a non-disclosure agreement.
The confidentiality of the settlement means that the public will not learn what was resolved between the parties, raising questions about transparency in political and legal processes. This lack of disclosure comes despite calls from some observers for openness regarding matters that may affect local governance.
Attorney Tom DeVore said, “This case was settled between the parties. Pursuant to that settlement, the parties agreed the matter would not be discussed publicly. In accordance with the terms of the non-disclosure agreement, my client has no comment.” When asked further questions about specifics of the agreement, DeVore responded, “The settlement agreement is not a public document and was negotiated between my client and the Defendants. The terms are not subject to disclosure. As such, my client is not in a position to discuss this matter.”
After reporting on earlier court filings related to this case, it emerged that Jeanne Ives—a former State Representative and gubernatorial candidate—was issued a subpoena. According to Ives, she had no knowledge of why she received it or why DeVore believed she could answer questions about the case. However, Ives provided her position on whether Illinois GOP should be involved in direct mail campaigns during primary races: “If ILGOP does assist with direct mail campaigns, should ILGOP assist in municipal elections? If your answer is no, please explain why this is your answer. If your answer is yes, please answer questions numbered 2 through 12 below.” She answered yes only for partisan non-primary races and “NO” for partisan primary elections.
Ives also confirmed she did not see or sign any settlement agreement related to this case.
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While both sides have declined further comment due to confidentiality agreements surrounding this settlement, there have been calls urging them to release more information so as “transparency is the best disinfectant for bad actors in our political processes and government.”
