Monday, March 19, 2007

Trustees want open inquiry

Northwest Herald - Trustees want open inquiry: "Village officials are unsure whether they will discuss the results of an investigation into possible misconduct at Village Hall in secret or in public later this month.

Both Trustees John Ragland and Todd Hendrickson want Elgin attorney Patrick Crimmins to present the investigation’s results publicly at a Village Board meeting. But they said the board might decide to discuss it in closed session depending on the results and legal advice.

“Since the taxpayers are paying for the investigation, I think the public is entitled to know the results of the investigation,” Hendrickson said.

The private investigation, which has taken months and thousands of dollars more than initial estimates, started last summer after the trustees ignored a request from local law enforcement agencies for more information about Village President Virginia Povidas’ alleged financial mismanagement before leading a larger investigation of their own.

Now, the investigation results could come weeks before an election that will produce at least one new trustee.

“I think we’d like to have this thing wrapped up before the election,” said Ragland, who is not seeking re-election. “It might send a signal.”"

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