The village of Flossmoor announced early Thursday that Trustee Gyata Kimmons submitted a letter of resignation from the village board on Wednesday, Oct. 21. Kimmons’ resignation comes after the Chicago Ethics Board officially enacted a ban on elected officials lobbying the city.
The village of Flossmoor announced early Thursday that Trustee Gyata Kimmons submitted a letter of resignation from the village board on Wednesday, Oct. 21.
Kimmons’ resignation comes after the Chicago Ethics Board officially enacted a ban on elected officials lobbying the city.
“I am disappointed to be leaving before my term is over. However, a newly enacted ordinance in the city of Chicago prohibits elected officials from any municipality in Illinois from also lobbying in the city of Chicago,” Kimmons said. “A portion of my business deals with lobbying on behalf of clients in the city of Chicago; therefore, this ordinance forces a choice between my business and my service to our community.”
Kimmons expressed gratitude to the community for giving him an opportunity to serve.
“I truly appreciate the community’s support. I will remain a participatory citizen and will continue to be an advocate on behalf of our neighbors,” Kimmons added.
While the initial prohibition on elected officials lobbying Chicago city hall took effect in April, Kimmons was granted permission to continue his lobbying efforts while the Ethics Board considered a proposal from Mayor Lori Lightfoot that would allow elected officials outside of Chicago to continue lobbying the city.
However, the Ethics Board did not move forward with Lightfoot’s proposal, and as of Oct. 21 Kimmons was notified by the city of Chicago that he must immediately decide between lobbying the city professionally or holding public office.
“The village Board of Trustees and I are extremely disappointed by Trustee Kimmons’ resignation, though we certainly do understand the circumstances that brought about his resignation,” said Flossmoor Mayor Paul Braun. “Trustee Kimmons has done an excellent job as trustee during his short period on the village board. We wish Trustee Kimmons and his family good health and best wishes for the future.”
Kimmons was elected to the village Board of Trustees in April 2019. Kimmons’ vacancy will be filled by a mayoral appointment who will serve until the April 6, 2021, consolidated election.
Details regarding the mayor’s trustee appointment are forthcoming.
The timing of Kimmons resignation will result in an additional trustee seat open in the April 6 election. Interested candidates will be running for the unexpired two-year term, which expires in 2023.
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