East Central Reporter

Kankakee County Board Chairman Andrew Wheeler has stepped down from his position ahead of a scheduled discussion and vote regarding his removal. The Special Board Meeting, which was set to address this issue, took place earlier today.

Wheeler's resignation comes amid allegations related to a conflict of interest. It is claimed that after negotiating a 30-year property tax abatement for GOTION with other taxing bodies, he accepted employment with the company. GOTION is involved in manufacturing lithium-ion batteries and is slated to receive over $8 billion in state and federal funding. Additionally, the company will benefit from property tax abatements as it plans to construct and operate an electric vehicle battery factory in Manteno, Illinois, located within Kankakee County.