Waukegan City Clerk Janet Kilkelly was exonerated of all charges brought by the Lake County States’ Attorney. The charges stemmed from credits being given to struggling small businesses during the pandemic. While the charges were clearly and totally without merit as determined by two judges, Alderman Lynn Florian and now former Mayor Ann Taylor immediately went on the attack against Kilkelly. Now that she has been exonerated from the unfounded charges, neither Florian or Taylor have issued an apology.
During the pandemic, small businesses which had gaming machines were extended credits by the city to help them survive. The Illinois Gaming Board took issue with some of the credits and the Lake County State’s Attorney spun the matter into a whopping set of 15 felony charges.
Taylor has always seen Kilkelly as a political rival and immediately issued a public statement even before any facts were in saying, “While I firmly believe in our justice system and due process, as mayor, I also know that having a multi-count felony indictment is a considerable distraction to the duties of the clerk’s office and incompatible with the best interests of Waukegan’s residents and businesses.”
Immediately after the bogus charges were filed and no facts were in, Alderwoman Lynn Florian brought a measure before the city council to strip Kilkelly of her duties. Fortunately Florian’s measure failed. After the attack did not work, Florian issued an incoherent statement saying of Kilkelly, “She refused to sell yard waste stickers. This is confusing for city employees. This did not take away any statutory duties.” Florian also offered unfortunate commentary on Facebook.
Going after Kilkelly as done by Alderwoman Florian and former Mayor Ann Taylor reflects quite poorly on their character and sense of fairness. It was obvious to any objective person that Kilkelly was conducting her duties as City Clerk and the charges were completely unwarranted. But they seized the opportunity to attack what they saw a political rival anyway.
Kilkelly was finally exonerated fully by two judges. Florian and Taylor still owe an apology.