Kathleen Rittmanic-Emme County Board District 8 | Kankakee County
Kathleen Rittmanic-Emme County Board District 8 | Kankakee County
Kankakee County State's Attorney James Rowe has initiated legal proceedings against three elected officials in Kankakee County. The suit seeks their removal from office due to non-compliance with filing annual Statements of Economic Interest (SEI) with the County Clerk.
The officials named in the lawsuit are Chris Tholen, a member of the Kankakee County Board; Leonora Noble, an Alderwoman in Kankakee; and Leo Todd Clark, an Alderman in Momence.
According to the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act, specifically Section 5 ILCS 420/4A-101.5, certain local public officials and employees must submit their SEI annually. Section 5 ILCS 420/4A-105 outlines the deadlines and penalties for failing to file on time. Penalties include a $15 late fee, followed by a $100 daily fee if not filed by May 15, potentially leading to removal from office.
The County Clerk is required to notify individuals who need to file these statements and send reminders if they fail to comply, explaining their obligations and potential consequences.
Officials have the option to resign from their positions to have the complaints dismissed. A hearing is set for June 30, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in Kankakee County Circuit Court.
"Kankakee County Daily Journal was first to report on this."
Alerts Sign-up