East Central Reporter

Champaign County resident John Bambenek has taken action by filing a demand for a special prosecutor to investigate the Champaign County Government. Bambenek alleges that the government is circumventing bidding requirements and using public funds to campaign for a sales tax increase set for the November ballot.

Bambenek stated, "The County Purchasing policy exists to help ensure that tax dollars aren’t going to cronies and taxpayers are getting the best value for their dollar. There are defined exceptions to waive the policy but merely waiving it doesn’t apply. There is no emergency and the election is the same time every two years. Not obeying the law appears to be an act of Official Misconduct, a felony in state law, and due to the involvement of the state’s attorney in this campaign, we need an outside investigator to take a look at this."

According to county regulations, officials must secure three bids for any purchase exceeding $10,000 but below $30,000. The county reportedly spent $22,285 on mail pieces aimed at persuading voters without adhering to its own financial protocols.

Illinois state law defines Official Misconduct as when any public official "knowingly performs an act which he knows he is forbidden by law to perform." Bambenek's request will also be submitted for review by the Illinois Attorney General. The State’s Attorney was given until 5 p.m. on October 15th to respond.