The following press release was received from District 300 school board candidate Robert Lee:
ROBERT LEE CALLS FOR COMPREHENSIVE ETHICS REFORM
EAST DUNDEE – Robert Lee, candidate for District 300 School Board, began pushing for the implementation of comprehensive ethics reform, working with the Policy and Legislation Committee to draft a proposal limiting the influence of pay-to-play tactics and other necessary reforms.
“Given that our state government passed a landmark pay-to-play ban in September, I think it is high time District 300 follow suit. Given the alleged actions of our governor, public officials at all levels of government should demonstrate their leadership by passing needed reforms,” Lee said. “District 300 must honestly evaluate its policies and pass comprehensive ethics reforms immediately.”
In August 2007, board member John Ryan sought to restrict campaign contributions from companies who receive $5,000 in business from District 300.
Additionally, the policy prevented a business relationship if contributions were made to campaigns that directly affected the District any time during the two prior years.
Lee hopes to finally see a similar reform package developed and passed by the District.
Lee said he’s worked to include language in the conflict of interest policy that would restrict campaign contributions to candidates for school board from companies that receive business from District 300.
Additionally, he worked to place similar restrictions on contributions to support or oppose District 300 ballot referenda, and make clear that prohibited political activity by district staff includes supporting or opposing candidates and ballot measures during compensated time.
“I supported Mr. Ryan in his first attempt to pass meaningful change in District 300. The vote of the board to defeat this important policy would have angered me had it not been so disappointing. This is a clear chance for all seven members of the board to demonstrate their ethical responsibilities. I will work to see positive changes are developed in the Policy and Legislation Committee, and lobby the Board to encourage approval of the changes.”
Lee can be reached
- at (847) 844‐0397,
- by cellular phone at (970) 420‐6468,
- by email at d300@robertwadelee.com, or
- by visiting http://www.robertwadelee.com.