Editorial: DiCianni can’t serve Elmhurst and county

Below is an excellent editorial by the Elmhurst Press with regards to DiCianni wanting to serve as mayor and county board member and the potential conflicts of interest that are obvious.

Editorial: DiCianni can’t serve Elmhurst and county

Elmhurst Press

Posted Apr 07, 2012 @ 04:48 AM

Elmhurst, IL — Electing Mayor Pete DiCianni to the DuPage County Board could be a real bonanza for one town in District 2.

Along with fellow Republican candidates Sean Noonan and Elaine Zannis, DiCianni will face Democratic challenger Elizabeth Chaplin in November for the three board positions representing the district. As mayor of Elmhurst, DiCianni’s neighbors may well have a lot to look forward to with him on the board.

But District 2 also encompasses Clarendon Hills, Downers Grove, Hinsdale, Lisle, Lombard, Naperville, Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace, Villa Park, Westmont and Woodridge. Can the residents of these communities expect as much from one of their potential new representatives as those in his hometown can?

DiCianni said he intends to continue serving as mayor of Elmhurst and serve on the County Board if elected. Such an arrangement is unacceptable. DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin issued an opinion earlier this year stating that serving as a member of the County Board is not compatible with holding another elective office.

We do not question DiCianni’s dedication to being an effective public servant. But the reality of politics overshadows everything else.

If DiCianni wishes to remain mayor of Elmhurst and a County Board member from District 2, he will have two distinct constituencies to appease. Should Elmhurst be forced to compete with a neighboring town for a project that would benefit the host community, how would DiCianni handle it as a County Board member?

The potential for conflicts of interest are obvious, and DiCianni must choose one position or the other. Residents from throughout District 2 are urged to call (630) 530-3010 and let DiCianni know what they think of this potential double-dipping.Electing Mayor Pete DiCianni to the DuPage County Board could be a real bonanza for one town in District 2.