LaSalle County board approves trustees for new Leonor Fire Protection District after heated debate over appointment process

The LaSalle County Board approved appointments to the newly formed Leonor Fire Protection District on June 8 after extended debate about the selection process and committee materials.

Kevin Connect, who identified himself as fire chief for Leonor, spoke during citizen comment and said his district is seeking taxing‑district status and will need trustees to move forward. The board then considered appointments for John Glascock, James Essel and Martin Whisbrock. Several members said the packet they saw at committee did not include biographical information for all candidates and that the chairman had introduced a third nominee after the attorney’s list was circulated.

"When those people submit those names to the chairman for approval, he doesn't have to approve them," said board member Mr. Trager, explaining the statutory powers of the chair in making appointments. Other members pushed back, saying committees and full board members should receive the attorney paperwork and biographies in advance.

Miss Bernal said she had no information about alternative candidates when she voted in committee and felt members should have been provided fuller paperwork. Miss Bush, who had submitted names to the chairman, said she accepted responsibility: "If anybody's going to take the heat for this, I will." Several members asked that procedures be clarified so committees receive complete information in future appointments.

A motion to table the appointments failed (7 yes, 19 no). On the subsequent roll call, the motion to approve the three trustees carried, 20 yes to 6 no. The county attorney and board members noted statutory timing constraints for forming the board and that trustees must take an oath before assuming duties.

The board took no further action on selection procedures at this meeting, but multiple members urged review of committee packet practices going forward.