Politics & Government

AG: Candidate Forums May be Recorded, Broadcast

Non-binding ruling contradicts opinion of Village Attorney.

The office of Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan today issued a letter that, while stopping short of an official opinion, allows for village employees to tape and broadcast candidate forums and candidate spots as long as the village follows content-neutral policies in allowing access to its public access channel and facilities.

The letter, which was requested by Mayor Ron Sandack in his capacity as state senator, clears the way for the village to record and broadcast candidate forums scheduled for March 16 and March 23 as long as village employees do not provide instructions, ask questions of, or endorse candidates as part of the taping and broadcast process, according to the letter from Senior Assistant Attorney General Lynn E. Patton.

"This is not an official opinion of the attorney general," Patton stated in the letter. "Because of the nature of your inquiry , I do not believe that the issuance of an official opinion by the attorney general is appropriate."

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The letter appears to put to rest by Village Attorney Enza Petrarca that recording and broadcasting forums hosted by the League of Woman Voters, as the village has done for years, is a violation of the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act.

Mary Ellen Matthies, president of the League of Women Voters of Downers Grove, Woodridge and Lisle, said she was notified of the letter by Village Manager Dave Fieldman and Communications Director Doug Kozlowski. "I was absolutely stunned and thrilled," she said. "I really thought we were at the beginning of a long process and every step of the way has been difficult. Thank goodness for Lisa Madigan's office."

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The village also posted the letter form the attorney general's office on its website. "Based on this, the village will be recording and broadcasting the League of Women Voters Candidate's Forums at no charge," the website stated.

Matthies was told the league would hear from village staffers in advance of Wednesday's forum for District 58 and District 99 school board candidates, which is scheduled for 7-9 p.m. in the Council Chamber at Village Hall.

Fortunately, the LWV had planned to maintain its usually format for this year's forums, Matthies said. "We had it set up exactly the same way as if it were being televised. We will go forward from there."


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