Shelby County Board Chairman Tad Mayhall is facing potential ethics complaints after allegedly issuing an endorsement for a candidate running for Shelby County Treasurer, according to a Mar. 17 report by Edgar County Watchdogs.
The issue has drawn attention because the purported endorsement letter used the county logo, official letterhead, and address, and was signed in Mayhall’s capacity as County Board Chairman. The Shelby County Board has an adopted ethics policy that defines prohibited political activities and outlines procedures for violations. The policy reportedly mirrors the model ordinance found on the Illinois Attorney General’s website.
Edgar County Watchdogs said they have not yet confirmed the authenticity of the letter, as Mayhall has not responded to requests for verification and the county has not answered a Freedom of Information Act request for a copy of the public record. The organization noted it is possible that either Don Debolt created the endorsement or received a fabricated document claiming to be from Mayhall. “So, until we receive a response from the public body to our FOIA request or from Mayhall, we cannot confirm its authenticity,” Edgar County Watchdogs said.
Several citizens are reportedly planning to file formal ethics complaints against Mayhall for allegedly using public resources in his official capacity to support a candidate. Complaints would be filed with the Ethics Commission established by county policy. However, Edgar County Watchdogs questioned whether such a commission exists or if required appointments were ever made: “We have requested the applicable records for the appointment of an Ethics Commission, but do not expect to receive anything as we do not believe they ever complied with that portion of the law.”
The group also pointed out that violations of this nature could be considered Class A misdemeanors under state law and may also breach election laws. They expressed skepticism about accountability based on past incidents in Shelby County: “Recognizing a long history of lack of accountability to just about any violation of the law in Shelby County, we won’t hold our breath that any alleged violator will ever be held accountable.”
Edgar County Watchdogs delivers reporting on issues across Illinois according to its official website. The organization aims to foster accountability, truth and transparency in local governance through document-based journalism according to its official website. Its members include notable figures such as John Kraft and Kirk Allen among its editors, authors and researchers according to its official website. It features members affiliated with organizations like Investigative Reporters and Editors and Society of Professional Journalists according to its official website. Edgar County Watchdogs promotes informed communities by enhancing oversight of local governing entities through accessible public information according to its official website, and relies on support from small individual donations according to its official website.
