SPRINGFIELD, IL. (ECWd) –
Just like his fellow board member Frank Vala, it is our belief that Mr. Eric Hansen is statutorily disqualified from serving as Commissioner of the Springfield Airport Authority.
Section 5 of the Airport Authorities Act specifically prohibits appointments to the Authority of any person who is a member of the governing body, or an officer or employee of a municipality, a county, or any other unit of local government.
Eric Hansen has been a commissioner on the Airport Authority at least since 2012, he has also been a Commissioner on the Springfield-Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission since at least 2012 – according to the online Statements of Economic Interest.
He filed his 2018 Statement of Economic Interest for both positions. The SSCRPC is part of Sangamon County government – that position disqualifies him to serve as commissioner of the airport authority.
We have filed a complaint with IDOT’s Chief Counsel and with IDOT’s Acting Director of the Division of Aeronautics asking that IDOT issue a letter to the Springfield Airport Authority, that the authority notify its Commissioner of his alleged disqualification, and that the authority schedule a public hearing for him to show cause why he should not be removed from office.
It is entirely possible that Mr. Hansen did not know of this alleged disqualification, and if that is what is claimed, it will be the same issue we have witnessed time and time again: public officials never actually reading the statute they are supposed to be following.
We suggest he immediately resign from the authority and let another person, not disqualified, be appointed in his place.
.
Our work is funded entirely thru donations and we
ask that you consider donating at the below link.
