DANVILLE, IL. (ECWd) -
Update 8-29-2018: To avoid any further confusion, the reference to Kietzman not residing within the taxing boundaries of the Authority were drawn entirely from his property tax bill. I did mention it in the video, but did not spell it our in the text. We understand there might be issues with several properties and which units of local governments they are taxed by.
This morning we provided public comment at the Vermilion County Regional Airport Authority meeting concerning Board Chairman David Kietzmann.
Kietzmann is executive vice-president of instruction and student services at the Danville Area Community College. He is an employee of the college (a unit of local government).
According to Section 5 of the Airport Authorities Act, no person may be appointed to the Airport Authority who is an employee of a unit of local government. Kietzman is an employee of the DACC. His appointment is void and violates state law.
He also resides outside the taxing body of the airport authority and cannot serve on the board for that reason (Sections 3.1(d) and 3.4).
He has apparently taken the stance that unless he is sued into submission he will remain in place on the airport authority. We believe a lawsuit will be filed in the coming days challenging his usurping of the office of airport authority commission in violation of state law. He should probably remember that the authority's attorney does not have the power to authorize violations of state law, so any thoughts of using that as a defense will not work. Official Misconduct might also apply to this situation (720 ILCS 5/33-3) .
It is unfortunate the Illinois Department of Transportation's Division of Aeronautics has not taken their job seriously enough to issue a demand letter to the airport authority, asking them to hold a hearing where Kietzmann must show cause why he should not be removed from office. IDOT is failing the public on this issue as it is their duty to ensure compliance once they are notified.
.
Our work is funded entirely thru donations and we
ask that you consider donating at the below link.
1 Comment
Robert O. Bogue
Posted at 20:31h, 29 AugustDavid’s moral character, integrity, leadership and honesty are now called into question, as is, that of DACC for allowing the same to remain as a highly paid faculty member among many great teaching professionals.
Without question, David is discrediting the local community, Community College and the Vermilion Airport Authority by his continued presence.
By all outward appearances, he’s now become a glowing example of what is widely referred to as corruption in Illinois government.
There is absolutely no doubt, but what he has been completely informed of the laws he’s violating.
Sadly, he’s had more than a sufficient amount of time in which to resign with dignity an honor. He could of after all moved in a better direction. Regardless of the Illinois Division of Aeronautics’ failure to do their job, and others, rest assured, Illinois Law will be followed and he will be removed.