The Cook County Board of Commissioners voted Monday, Nov. 7, to reappoint Commissioner Jeff Lane and appoint Commissioner Dwight Purvis as members of the Economic Development Commission.
During the work session prior to the regular meeting, Judge Howard McClain, representing the EDC, asked the board to reappoint current county appointees Commissioner Michael Dinnerman and Commissioner Jeff Lane. Their appointments expire Dec. 31, 2016.
Commissioner Dinnerman is leaving the Board of Commissioners effective Dec. 31 as well; he was running for Cook County Tax Commissioner. There is nothing legally to prevent the Board from appointing a representative on the EDC who is not a County Commissioner any more.
During discussion in the board’s regular session, County Commission Vice Chairman Dwight Purvis (who will serve as County Commission Chairman in 2017) said he was interested in serving on the EDC. Commissioner Jeff Lane who will remain on the board also said he wished to continue to serve on the EDC.
Commissioner Dinnerman said he would like to continue to serve on the EDC so continuity of knowledge and servicewould be provided for economic development projects that are underway. He said that within the next three weeks, a public announcement may be made about a major new industry’s opening in Cook County, a $40 million investment. He added that three more prospective industry projects are pending for the EDC. “We are concerned about switching horses in the middle of the stream,” Dinnerman said.
Commissioner Jeff Lane asked if anyone who is not a County Commissioner had ever served before on the EDC as Cook County’s representative. Dinnerman replied, “No one, not since we started.”
County officials advised Commissioner Debra Robinson, who was unable to attend but was participating in the meeting by conference call, that the EDC members serve a three-year term.
“If I was brought up to snuff, I think I could handle (the EDC position),” Purvis said.
Chairman Randy Lane called for a roll call vote on reappointing Michael Dinnerman as well as Commissioner Jeff Lane to the EDC. Commissioners Jeff Lane, Dwight Purvis, and Debra Robinson said, “Nay,” while Commissioners Dinnerman and Chairman Lane said, “Yes.” Thus, the vote to continue with both Dinnerman and Jeff Lane failed 3-2.
Commissioner Robinson then made a motion to place Commissioner Purvis and Commissioner Jeff Lane on the EDC board. Commissioner Jeff Lane seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
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