WHEATON - Wheaton is known as one of the most ethical places in America. The town grew up around Wheaton College, evangelicalism, Billy Graham and Christian morals. So it's surprising that it would be a place where ethical questions surrounding the local State House race.
First, 42nd State House candidate Jeanne Ives was endorsed by the Illinois Citizens for Ethics PAC back in February. She is in a heated 4-way GOP primary with opponents Dave Carlin, Laura Pollastrini and Chris Hage.
The district contention grew today, when days before the March 20th primary, online ads promoted by an unknown entity called "Citizens for an Ethical Wheaton" blasted Ives' associations. At the same time, a Milton Township trustee filed an ethics complaint reportedly associated with Ms. Ives, who is a also a member of Milton Township's Ethics Committee. The complaint filed by James Flickinger alleges that a Milton Township employee had been doing campaign work during office hours.
A February 16th Daily Herald story reported on a 42nd State House candidate forum in which GOP candidate Dave Carlin challenged Jeanne Ives about her association with Dan Proft, who at one time worked for Cicero Mayor Larry Dominick, getting a no bid $500,000 media contract. Proft is now a WLS radio talk show host and heads up Liberty PAC, which, Carlin pointed out, gave Ives $5000 along with "media training."
Wednesday night the Milton Township Board is planning to hear and discuss Flickinger's complaint, which was initially deemed as "unfounded." The complaint can be reviewed here by (Downloading Ethics complaint.)
