TRANSMITTAL LETTER FOR BOARD MEETING OF APRIL 17, 2014
COMMITTEE ON PENSION, HUMAN RESOURCES AND CIVIL SERVICE
Honorable Kathleen Therese Meany, President and Members of the Board of Commissioners
Title
Request for advice and consent to the appointment of Zelda B. Harris, Jose A. Lopez, and Michael J. Weicher as Commissioners to the MWRD Ethics Commission, pursuant to the Ethics Ordinance
Body
Ladies and Gentlemen:
On April 22, 2004, the Board of Commissioners adopted, pursuant to the mandate of the Illinois Ethics Act, Ordinance No. 04-001, known as the MWRD Ethics Ordinance.
Article 20 of the Ordinance establishes an Ethics Commission consisting of three members appointed by the Executive Director, with the advice and consent of the Board of Commissioners. Article 20 of the Ordinance prohibits appointment to the Commission of any person related by blood or marriage up to the degree of first cousin, to any elected officer of the MWRD. Article 20 further provides that no more than two members shall belong to the same political party at the time such appointments are made.
With the assistance of the Law Department, I have researched potential candidates for the Ethics Commission. I believe that the following individuals not only satisfy the technical requirements of the Ordinance, but also possess the experience and background needed to fulfill the important duties of the Ethics Commission in a professional manner: Zelda B. Harris, Jose A. Lopez, and Michael J. Weicher. Ms. Harris is a professor of law and the Director of the Dan K. Webb Center for Advocacy at Loyola University School of Law, which focuses on trial, and appellate advocacy and alternative dispute resolution. Mr. Lopez is a partner at the law firm of Perkins Coie in Chicago, and he specializes in complex business litigation, including securities litigation, before the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Mr. Lopez was recently appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court to chair the panel that hears cases involving the discipline of lawyers charged with misconduct by the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission. Mr. Weicher is an attorney from Oak Park, specializing in civil litigation, including prosecuting and defending mortgage fraud investigations and representing corporate shareholders and LLC members in breach of fiduciary duty claims.
I also recommend that the Ethics Commissioners be compensated for their services on a per hour basis using the same rates applied to MWRD's Hearing Officers appointed under the Sewage and Waste Control Ordinance, User Charge Ordinance, and Sewer Permit Ordinance.
I hereby seek the advice and consent of the Board of Commissioners, as to the appointments and compensation of Zelda B. Harris, Jose A. Lopez, and Michael J. Weicher as Commissioners to the Ethics Commission in accordance with the provisions of Article 20 of the Ethics Ordinance.
Recommended, David St. Pierre, Executive Director, RMH:LAG:JBM:kk
Respectfully Submitted, Kathleen Therese Meany, Chairman Committee on Pension, Human Resources and Civil Service
Disposition of this agenda item will be documented in the official Regular Board Meeting Minutes of the Board of Commissioners for April 17, 2014