La Grange Today publisher Thom Rae today filed a request under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) with the Park District of La Grange seeking to obtain the identities of any individuals who submitted applications to fill the vacancy on its board of commissioners.
The Park District had set March 1 as the deadline for any interested residents to apply for consideration to replace Rob Metzger, who announced his resignation in January.
When Rae appeared today in person at the Park District offices and requested information regarding the applicants, a receptionist consulted with Executive Director Dean Bissias and then informed Rae that a formal FOIA request was necessary.
Illinois law does not require a citizen to use a FOIA request to obtain public information and documents. Its use is at the discretion of the local governing body.
Rae's request seeks the names and addresses of all applicants, as well as copies of the application data they submitted.
Park District officials by law must respond within five business days.
Jim Boo, a resident who unsuccessfully sought election to the park board last April, informed La Grange Today via email Feb. 25 that he had submitted an application.
Click here to view Boo's application letter.
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