Shelby County – (ECWd) –
Once again, the Shelby County State’s Attorney Nichole Kronke provides an off-the-cuff statement of her duties, conflicting with what the law actually states.
County Board member Dereck Pearcy requested an opinion regarding the outsourcing of payroll from the treasurer’s office in an email in November 2021. He received no response.
When the very issues he was seeking advice on were raised during last night’s county board meeting, in response to questions from board member Mark Bennett, the State’s Attorney claimed the “board” did not ask for an opinion and claimed it is the board that she represents, not individual board members.
“I don’t respond to individuals with legal opinions, I will respond to the County Board, that is who I represent, is the board, not individuals”.
Is this a case where the elected SA does not know her own duties as an elected State’s Attorney? It appears she has not read, or forgotten if she has read, what the actual law states regarding the powers and duties of an elected State’s Attorney.
55 ILCS 5/3-9005(7) To give the State’s Attorney’s opinion, without fee or reward, to any county officer in the county, upon any question or law relating to any criminal or other matter, in which the people or the county may be concerned.
County Board members are county officers, and it is her statutory duty to provide an opinion to any county officer, which means it does not take a vote by the board. Her failure to provide the requested opinion from a county board member is an example of failing to perform one’s duty.
We doubt anyone would claim outsourcing payroll at an additional $15K a year expense to the taxpayers is not a matter which the people or the county may be concerned about, which are qualifiers for an opinion in the statute.
This is yet another example of an off-the-cuff response by an attorney that does more harm than good. Inaccurate opinions lead to distrust in what is presented in the future. Had the question asked been researched properly, an accurate response could be given at a later time.
Below is a copy of the entire board meeting but it is set to begin at the point of Mark Bennett asking the question outlined above.
3 Comments
Roger
Posted at 11:56h, 12 DecemberHave they thought to hire an attorney to advise their attorney?
Justice Seeker
Posted at 08:31h, 11 DecemberAppears taxpayers in Shelby county have no legal representation against the out of control board that still has not figured out there are laws that govern their actions. The very person elected by the people (Shelby county had no choice) to protect them and prosecute crimes by government officials against them chooses to do nothing every time. Well she does choose and that is to be a part of the cover up. Sad state of affairs for the taxpayers of Shelby county.
It has been obvious to anyone paying attention that since payroll fraud was exposed in the media in January of 2020, the board along with a states attorney who did nothing and now one who leads the charge to outsource, there is an attempt to cover up the multiple violations of law and payroll fraud. The constant attack on the treasurer and push to outsource instead of fix the problems, only makes their failure and complicity more obvious. Those heading the charge should resign as it is complete failure and malfeasance on their part to fulfill their elected duties.
Is it any wonder there is no trust in government?
Rick Parry
Posted at 20:52h, 10 DecemberOoops!