River Forest public and trustee debate appointments after ethics-code concerns

Margie Sakander used public comment time to summarize the work of outgoing Ethics Commission Chair Peggy Daly and criticized changes to the village ethics code adopted in 2022. Sakander said Daly told the board the outside-counsel edits 'gutted the ethics ordinance by removing conflicts of interest jurisdiction' and quoted Daly: "Failing to have an independent and trained body to investigate charges of conflicts of interest is at worst sets the stage for cronyism and corruption." The commenter urged careful vetting of nominees and expressed concern about how ethics allegations were handled.

During the appointments portion of the agenda trustees discussed nominees for multiple boards and commissions. Trustees pressed for interest statements and background for some candidates. Several trustees voiced concern about a proposed Economic Development Commission appointee who works at JLL and the appearance of a potential conflict; President Ducey said appointees are expected to recuse themselves where conflicts arise.

The board voted to approve the president's recommended appointments and reappointments; Trustee Kescatello recorded a "no" vote on at least one slate while other trustees voted yes. Trustees also discussed the village attorney and the roles of two law firms: one for labor relations and another for general counsel and zoning/prosecution duties.

The meeting record shows public concern about whether the ethics code provides a truly independent investigation pathway for conflicts-of-interest allegations; the board did not reverse prior code changes during this session but acknowledged the public comment and discussed vetting procedures for appointees.