Shelby Co. (ECWd) –
The Shelby County State’s Attorney Rob Hanlon has submitted his resignation letter with an effective date of May 10, 2024, at 4 pm, citing alternative opportunities available to him as the reasoning.
The County Board has 60 days to appoint a State’s Attorney as outlined in the election code. We understand that Ruth Woolery, the only candidate who ran for State’s Attorney in the last primary is going to be hired as an Assistant State’s Attorney this week so that an effective transition can be made in the event she is appointed to fill the remainder of the term. It will be interesting to see if the same people who questioned Hanlon’s criminal prosecutorial experience raise the same concern with a Woolery appointment who has no such experience.
On page 2 of Hanlon’s resignation letter, there are some interesting facts regarding the performances of the Office of Shelby County State’s Attorney. According to the JIMS Prosecutor information Hanlon not only convicted more people every month than the past two State’s Attorneys, Nichole Kroncke and Gina Vonderhide, but the revenue he brought into the county in only 14 months exceeds that of the prior State’s Attorney in 26 months. Another interesting fact is the revenue brought into the Crime Stoppers program. In 14 months, Hanlon was able to secure $26,569.00 for the local crime stoppers whereas the prior State’s Attorney only obtained $2,150.00 in 26 months.
We mention the above figures because they refute the false narrative being pushed by a select few about Hanlon not doing his job. A quote from Hanlon to Jake Cole pretty much sums it up.
“Your problem is you just don’t have enough appreciation for the concept that different people accomplish things differently. If the goal is results, I’ve delivered as demonstrated by the facts.”
The budget reports from his office also refute the false narrative pushed by a select few that he is costing the taxpayers a fortune. Not only did he bring more money back into the county and local crime stoppers than the prior State’s Attorney, but he did so while being well under budget. A copy of the two budget reports can be downloaded here and here.
A claim by Annette Tomaszewski that Hanlon is stealing money is an example of the propaganda being pushed by a select few in Shelby County. Considering Hanlon is well under budget, has no office credit card like the prior SA, and has no access to any public funds, how could he possibly “steal” money? Such a claim published online may easily constitute defamation and is just one example of many of the types of comments from so-called adults.
A copy of the resignation letter can be downloaded at this link or viewed below.
Resignation Letter – Hanlon
7 Comments
Cynthia
Posted at 10:55h, 29 AprilThis is exactly what happens when reformers are elected to public office. There is a smear campaign. It’s wrong and we need legislation to stop it. This is why good people do not run for office. It’s too bad for Shelby County that they lost a remarkable state’s attorney.
John Pogue
Posted at 20:20h, 29 AprilYou are so right Cynthia. As in most politics several people want to be involved in the political process but fail to educate themselves to the facts of government and constitutional law. A private company that hires and loses this many executives over a short period of time and denies the law would have been bankrupt a long time ago without taxpayer funds. I am sure I am not the first one to acknowledge this and hope this county will hire a manager to make their decisions and protect them from themselves.
Todd Milliron
Posted at 11:53h, 29 AprilI Agree with Cynthia.
Half bubble off level
Posted at 11:57h, 29 AprilThis is why I will not support or vote for anyone associated with Shelby County United!
John K
Posted at 12:26h, 29 AprilThe only way to stop smears like this is for the US Supreme Court to repeal NY Times v. Sullivan, which sets an almost impossible hurdle for public figures to clear to prove defamation / libel / slander.
kathiann54
Posted at 12:32h, 29 AprilVery sad, the defamation that goes on against people trying to do things right.k Tantrum throwing rebellious children never like to be told no by the adults. in the room.
Ted Hartke
Posted at 07:07h, 30 AprilBest wishes to Mr. Hanlon towards his future opportunities and endeavors. I hope the County Board can replace him with a candidate who is just as good.