Lauzen Apologizes for Fakroddin Appointment

Posted by Rick Nagel

Kane County Board Chairman Chris Lauzen has publicly apologized for appointing former Kane County Transportation Director Nabi Fakroddin to the Regional Transportation Authority Board, the Daily Herald reports.

Lauzen on Tuesday accepted Fakroddin's resignation as Kane County's representative on the RTA board following the revelation that the appointment was in violation of state law. Fakroddin is a member of the Illinois Human Rights Commission and cannot serve as board member and commissioner of two state agencies, according to statute.

As a member of the Human Rights Commission, Fakroddin earned $20,000. His RTA stipend was $25,000 annually, the Daily Herald reports.

Officials pointed out that there was no conflict of interest in serving on both boards, and the Kane County State's Attorney's Office advised that there was no ethics violation, even if there was a violation of the letter of state law.

Fakroddin was appointed to the RTA Board in April, selecting him from six finalists nominated by a three-member subcommittee.

Lauzen will now begin the process of finding a replacement to represent the county.

He's also in the process of finding a Kane County representative on the Metra Board. Former Kane County Board Chairman Mike McCoy resigned as the county's representative on the Metra Board in late July, saying essentially that he was tired of the politics.