Title
Resolution creating a Lake County Commission on Government Reform and Accountability.
Body
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Lake County Board unanimously adopted Resolution 17-0206 on February 14, 2017 that requests legislative support to place binding referenda questions on the ballot in 2018 on reform measures, including: 1) a countywide elected chairman in 2022; 2) redistricting reform that leverages the Independent Map Amendment process; and 3) an advisory question on streamlining county government by reducing the size of the county board; and
WHEREAS, Chairman Aaron Lawlor believes this is a time for bold leadership and has proposed reforms to position Lake County as a model for government reform statewide; and
WHEREAS, these reforms provide the framework for innovative changes to county government that enhance accountability and would benefit from the creation of an ad hoc committee to facilitate wide-ranging and thoughtful input from leaders around Lake County, as well as respected, bipartisan voices at the regional level; and,
WHEREAS, Chairman Lawlor requests the County Board approve the creation of the "Lake County Commission on Government Reform and Accountability" as an ad hoc committee comprised of a bipartisan and diverse group of community members, current and former elected officials, faith leaders, major political party representatives, local and regional representatives of good government, political reform and voter advocacy organizations; and
WHEREAS, the Lake County Board prides itself on the many strengths of the County's current structure and will steadfastly protect the fiscally responsible, professional and ethical principles that have resulted in balanced annual budgets and a consistent AAA bond rating, as well as a collaborative and bipartisan culture that values relationships and commitment to service, trust in a professional staff and managerial form of government, and prohibitions against political patronage, nepotism or cronyi...
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