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Dual School Board and State Rep Positions Legally Incompatible 

Posted in 220, Barrington Education Association, Board of Education, Deception, Dinky, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Education, Elections, Ethics, FOIA, His Master's Voice, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Illinois State Board of Elections, Look For The Union Label, New Normal?, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, RINO, Taxes, Transparency, Unions, Village Board, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on August 29, 2025| 5 Comments »

Following our recent posts Ding In Her Own Words – CONFLICTED! and D220 Abuses Taxpayer Funds in favor of Partisan Campaign we understand some believe Erin Chan Ding has the right to sit dually on both the D220 Board of Education (BOE) and as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives for the 52nd District. This is unequivocally false (and we didn’t need to consult any high paid lawyers on the taxpayer dime to figure that out).

While a person may be able to serve certain government positions dually, say Village of Barrington Hills Trustee simultaneously with Illinois State Senator for the 26th District, Illinois law recognizes that certain positions, including that of serving on a School Board and as a member of the House of Representatives, are deemed legally incompatible under Illinois law. Illinois law holds that the duties of those two offices conflict such that an individual cannot fully and faithfully perform the responsibilities of both. Illinois courts have applied this doctrine to prevent dual officeholding in cases where conflicts of interest or overlapping duties arise and have emphasized that incompatibility does not require an actual conflict but rather the potential for conflict between the duties of the two offices.

The duties of a school board member involve overseeing local education policies, budgets, and contracts, while a state representative is responsible for broader legislative functions, including education funding and policy at the state level. These overlapping responsibilities could create conflicts of interest, particularly in matters where state legislation impacts local school districts. Even if no actual conflict has arisen, the potential for conflict is sufficient to render dual officeholding incompatible.

One may look to the very partisan League of Women Voters who has previously provided context for this conflict, stating: “Recusal is not a sufficient remedy where two public offices have conflicting duties because public officials are elected to be the voice of the citizens and abstaining from a vote deprives the citizens of their voices. Also, public policy demands that an office holder must discharge his duties with the actuality of impartiality and undivided loyalty. Such conflicts of duty are public conflicts and cannot be cured by recusal. However, private conflicts of interests may be cured by recusal.”

To put this in perspective related to our prior posts about BOE Member Chan Ding,: She is currently violating her Oath of Office and the BOE Code of Conduct; BOE President Ficke-Bradford has effectively silenced Chan Ding, depriving the citizens of her voice, by removing her from the majority of her BOE committees; and, Chan Ding’s run for the 52nd has additionally raised the specter of partiality to the Democratic Party and divided loyalty between it and the BOE.

Related: “D220 Abuses Taxpayer Funds in favor of Partisan Campaign,” “Ding In Her Own Words – CONFLICTED!,” “District 220 Board of Education meets this evening (07.15.25)” “Ding Doubles Down,” “Ding’s D220 Deception,” “Chan Ding running in Democratic primary in 52nd,” “Three (3) Democratic candidates queued to run for the IL 52nd District House seat in 2026”

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Ding In Her Own Words – CONFLICTED!

Posted in 220, Barrington Education Association, Board of Education, Conflict of interest, Daily Herald, Deception, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Elections, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Illinois State Board of Elections, Look For The Union Label, New Normal?, OP/Ed, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, School Districts, South Barrington, The Chicago Way, Unions, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on August 19, 2025| 2 Comments »

In 2021 Erin Chan Ding first campaigned for a position on the Barrington 220 Board of Education (BOE). At that time she created a website “ERIN CHAN DING for 220.” Curiously, some might say suspiciously, the Website for Ding’s 220 campaign has been scrubbed from the internet and one must use a special search engine to attempt to find the deleted files. Ding, as we’ve previously reported, recently won re-election to the BOE and, shortly following that win, announced that she would be running in the Democratic Primary for the chance to be the Democratic candidate in the 2026 election for State Representative of the 52nd District ~ a partisan political position.

Ding’s scrubbed BOE website says several things about the conflict this run poses to her current position on the BOE and demands, in her own words, that she either immediately resign from her BOE position or forego her run for the 52nd District.

As some may recall, Ding set off a hot bed of controversy when, during the 2021 BOE campaign, she accepted the endorsement of the Barrington Education Association (BEA), 220 teacher’s union, and a donation from the BEA’s political action committee, IPACE. Ding, realizing the controversy in bringing partisan politics to what she took an oath to be a non-partisan position, explained why it was okay for her to accept the BEA endorsement and IPACE donation in 2021:

Each of us… candidates running for the … BOE are political candidates in a municipal election. What we are NOT supposed to be is partisan, affiliated with a particular political party. It is my commitment, if elected as a school board member, to maintain independence and making decisions and be free of influence from political parties and special interest groups. I will be accountable only to our community.

I have heard there’s been misinformation going around that has conflated the … BEA with a Political Action Committee, or PAC… The BEA is the union that represents more than 700 teachers and educational professionals in Barrington 220… this year, the BEA specifically stated it would endorse candidates with integrity, teamwork, a heart for racial and social equity and a sense of service over self… I am honored to have received one of four BEA endorsements.

The BEA is affiliated with a statewide organization called … IPACE, a nonpartisan, pro-education organization to which BEA members … can voluntarily contribute. IPACE regularly donates to pro-education, pro-public school candidates.

Because I was endorsed by the BEA, IPACE offered a contribution… to my campaign fund, Friends of Erin Chan Ding. Before accepting the donation, I researched IPACE to ensure it was strictly non-partisan and concluded that it is, as according to its website, recommendations for contributions… “are not determined by partisan politics.”

Our local BEA officers are also clear that I am not and will not be beholden to the teachers union or to any special interest groups.  I have not and would never accept partisan donations that will compromise my ability to offer excellent stewardship to our community.

(Click on any image above to enlarge)

Clearly, Ding recognized the import of being nonpartisan in her position on the BOE during her 2021 and 2025 campaigns for BOE. Yet, at the same time she was taking her oath of office to be a nonpartisan member of the BOE on April 22, 2025, pledging that she would:

…refuse to surrender (her) responsibilities to special interest or partisan political groups… avoid any conflict of interest or the appearance of impropriety which could result from (her) position, and shall not use (her) Board of Education membership for personal gain or publicity…,

Ding had already begun her quest for a partisan political position, using her BOE membership to bolster her candidacy (indeed her time on the BOE provides her only cited credentials on her social media and Erin for Illinois pages). Additionally, in a flagrant showing of impropriety, Ding posts D220 educators, whose discipline and contracts she votes on, as endorsers of her partisan run for the 52nd.

Then, sometime following the several posts that the Observer has put out regarding Ding’s blatant conflict of interest in remaining as a BOE member at the same time she is actively campaigning and raising funds for a partisan political position (see “Ding’s D220 Deception” and “Ding Doubles Down”), Ding scrubbed the internet of her very own acknowledgment of the impropriety of her serving on the BOE under these circumstances.

BOE President Ficke-Bradford has similarly acknowledged the impropriety of Ding remaining on the BOE under these circumstances where she unceremoniously, without Ding’s presence and without a public vote of the BOE, removed Ding from all of her BOE committee assignments.

Since pushing forward with her campaign for a partisan political position, Ding has

  • Affiliated with a particular political party;
  • Accepted partisan donations*, compromising her ability to offer excellent stewardship to our community;
  • Failed to maintain independence; and
  • Failed to remain free of influence from political parties and special interest groups.

In further affront to her BOE oath, Ding has also partnered with Barrington Area Dems (BAD) to promote her run for the 52nd District. BAD has posted a fundraiser being thrown by them for Ding and other local Democratic candidates, commenting on Ding as a “current School Board member” and “a dual-elected District 220 Board of Education member” with a “commitment to equity and inclusive school communities.” Ding even ‘liked’ the post from her personal “luvpiggies” instagram account:

The next regular meeting of the BOE is scheduled for this evening. This is a good opportunity for the public to remind Ding, Superintendent Winkelman, and the Members of the BOE, that the oath of office taken by each is not to be taken lightly. It is our belief that Ding is unfit to serve any longer on our Board of Education and it’s time for the Regional and D220 Superintendents and the BOE to take action in removing her.

D220 Superintendent: cwinkelman@barrington220.org

D220 Board of Education: stwang@barrington220.org, dclopton@barrington220.org, baltshuler@barrington220.org, sbradford@barrington220.org, lcollisterlazzari@barrington220.org, echanding@barrington220.org, hsrivastava@barrington220.org

Dr. Michael Karner Lake County Regional Superintendent of Schools: Mkarner@lake.k12.il.us

*Ding’s Erin for Illinois disclosures show $3,000.00 in donations from Friends of Josina Morita, the Democratic Committee formed to support Democratic Candidate Josina Morita for Office of Cook County Commissioner for the Democratic Party. These contributions were not made by Morita in her personal capacity, but specifically made from her Democratic Committee. https://www.elections.il.gov/CampaignDisclosure/CommitteeDetail.aspx?ID=NC181bT0yRx6vp8tMkKtSg%3d%3d

Related: “District 220 Board of Education meets this evening (07.15.25)” “Ding Doubles Down,” “Ding’s D220 Deception,” “Chan Ding running in Democratic primary in 52nd,” “Three (3) Democratic candidates queued to run for the IL 52nd District House seat in 2026”

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Ding’s conflicted status confirmed

Posted in 220, Barrington Education Association, Board of Education, Conflict of interest, Daily Herald, Deception, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Education, Elections, Ethics, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Illinois State Board of Elections, Look For The Union Label, New Normal?, OP/Ed, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, School Districts, South Barrington, Topics Of Interest, Unions, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on July 22, 2025| 9 Comments »

Recently reelected District 220 Board of Education member and now candidate Erin Chan Ding poses with 220 Board of Education Vice President Barry Altshuler (giving thumbs up) for a photo at her June 18th launch of her Illinois State Rep campaign.

The District 220 Board of Education (BOE) met last Tuesday, and BOE President Sandra Ficke-Bradford began her presentation by addressing the elephant in the room (the elephant wasn’t actually in the room, as Member Erin Chan Ding was absent from the July 15 BOE Meeting) stating:

“As many are aware, District 220 Board Member Erin Chan Ding has declared her intent to run for State Representative of the 52nd District, and it’s within Erin’s right to do so, and Erin is aware of the Board policies and the laws that are in place.

We have consulted with our counsel, um, to confirm that merely running for an office, um, for political office, while refraining from engaging in any prohibited political activity while acting as a Board member or on School District property does not constitute a violation of the Board’s Code of Conduct. Erin and all Board Members are aware of the policies the Board does have in place.

Um, that being said, the goal of this Board is to focus on Framework 220 and the daily work of the School Board. Therefore, I will be working with you guys, the Board, um, in the coming weeks prior to our next Board meeting in August to assign other Board Members to the following committee assignments that Erin holds currently. Um, Policy Committee, ED-RED Representative and Legislative Committee. So, if you’re interested in those, please let me know. Um, but we will be making those changes before the next, before those meetings.”

Ficke-Bradford did not ask the other BOE Members if they had any questions or comments relative to the removal of Ding from her committee assignments. Following Public Comment, where a member of the community spoke about the conflicts presented by Ding’s decision to run for a partisan political position, Ficke-Bradford chose to reiterate some of her prior statements adding:

“I just want to touch on, I just want to repeat what I had said earlier, that um, regarding Erin Chan Ding running for um State Representative, um, we did consult with our counsel, and um, we did confirm that merely running for political office, again, while refraining from engaging in any prohibited political activity while acting as a Board Member or on School District property does not constitute a violation of the Board’s Code of Conduct. Um, but I would like to remind the Board, right, that we do have policies that are in place and we should be very careful to make sure that we do not violate the Open Meetings Act. So, thank you for that.”

In watching the video from the July 15th meeting, at 37:52, one can see Ficke-Bradford pointedly look towards Members Altshuler and Srivastava while she reminds the BOE Members of their obligations under the Illinois Open Meetings Act (OMA). As reported on by The Observer in Ding’s D220 Deception, both Altshuler and Srivastava were present at Ding’s launch party for her run for the 52nd. The Observer further pointed out the potential for an OMA violation in that article, as three Members of the BOE constitute a quorum and Ding’s platform for the 52nd District mostly surrounds her activities on the BOE. So, now Ficke-Bradford has put the entire BOE on notice due to Ding’s decision.

For nearly a month, The Observer has written about the conflict of interest Erin Chan Ding created when she announced her political ambitions weeks after being reelected to the BOE (see “Ding’s D220 Deception” and “Ding Doubles Down”).This past Tuesday evening, apparently without discussion or vote, Ficke-Bradford decided Ding’s position on 3 BOE committees would be eliminated, and not one Member of the BOE or the Superintendent voiced an objection to this decision.

It should be noted that the BOE had a lengthy Closed Session prior to the regular meeting of the BOE, with one of the Closed Session Agenda items being “Self Evaluation.”  School boards can hold closed-session meetings to discuss specific topics legally permitted under the OMA. These sessions are not open to the public, and the topics discussed are specifically limited by the OMA. It’s certainly possible that the BOE and Superintendent Winkelman determined to discuss Ding’s run for the 52nd in Closed Session, as Ficke-Bradford’s statement appeared to be prepared written comments. The Observer, however, cannot identify a legally recognized exception to the OMA and the premise that BOE actions should take place in front of the public which would have allowed for such discussions in Closed Session.

Ficke-Bradford’s choice clearly confirms her belief that Ding’s decision to run for a partisan political position makes her conflicted if she remains on the Board of Education. Further, so long as Ding remains on the BOE, every Board vote will require scrutiny for objectivity and everything Ding says or posts in her Democratic campaign for the 52nd District must also be scrutinized before it’s determined whether or not she should abstain from BOE activities.

The baggage Ding has now burdened our Board of Education with is one taxpayers were not bargaining on when they voted in April. And, if Ding chooses to keep her BOE seat, it will only serve to increase the burden of responsibility on her peers.

We believe that Ficke-Bradford, without calling for Ding to step down, has opened the door for Ding to do the right thing by taking that action on her own and step down before further action must me taken. The removal of Ding from committee assignments is a clear admission that her run for the 52nd District, including her website and social pages that actively advertise her BOE activities as support for her run, constitute violations of BOE policies.

Additionally, we’d like to point out from Ficke-Bradford’s comments, it appears that our BOE believes that the burden should be on the D220 taxpayers, as opposed to the Erin for Illinois Democratic political committee organized and raising funds on behalf of Ding’s run for the 52nd District, for the responsibility for obtaining legal opinions as to whether Ding is conflicted from serving the dual functions of partisan and non-partisan. We suggest to Ficke-Bradford, the BOE, Superintendent Winkelman and the D220 attorneys that this is an irresponsible use of taxpayer money and this burden should be on the Erin for Illinois campaign, not the taxpayer.

Related: “Ding Doubles Down,” “Ding’s D220 Deception,” “Chan Ding running in Democratic primary in 52nd,” “Three (3) Democratic candidates queued to run for the IL 52nd District House seat in 2026”

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Ding Doubles Down

Posted in 220, Barrington Education Association, Board of Education, Daily Herald, Deception, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Education, Elections, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Illinois State Board of Elections, Look For The Union Label, New Normal?, OP/Ed, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, School Districts, South Barrington, Topics Of Interest, Unions, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on July 8, 2025| 5 Comments »

Last month we shared with you “Ding’s D220 Deception,” highlighting the several D220 Board of Education (BOE) policies that current school board member, Erin Chan Ding, is violating in her run in the Democratic primary in the 52nd House District.

In announcing her candidacy for State Rep for the 52nd District, Ding has violated her oath of office as a nonpartisan member of the D220 Board of Education. With each campaign post, speech, appearance, and political handshake for her bid for the 52nd, she is in direct violation of the very school board code of conduct she has pledged multiple times to uphold:

2:80-E Exhibit – Board Member Code of Conduct

Each member of the Community Unit School District 220 Board of Education ascribes to the following code of conduct:

  1. I will represent all school district constituents honestly and equally and refuse to surrender my responsibilities to special interest or partisan political groups.
  2. I will avoid any conflict of interest or the appearance of impropriety which could result from my position, and shall not use my Board of Education membership for personal gain or publicity.

Since announcing her candidacy, Ding has doubled down on her D220 deception, attending several events in her capacity as a Democrat candidate for State Rep, including Democratic House Majority Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch’s “Equality & Pride 365” celebration in Chicago on June 24.

Ding is endorsed by, and hobnobbing with, progressive Democrat darling. Theresa Mah. Both have used Ding’s Board of Education position as publicity in support of her run for the 52nd District.

It is apparent from her Erin for Illinois webpage that Ding is widely publicizing her Board of Education position, the achievements of the D220 Board of Education, whether hers or not, to support her run for the 52nd. Indeed, she is widely publicizing her decidedly Democratic talking point of having voted 3 times as a D220 BOE member to “keep educator-approved LGBTQ+ authored books on high school library’s shelves.”

Are we to believe that Ding didn’t talk about her votes while waiving her rainbow fan with her friends at Speaker Welch’s “Equality & Pride 365” celebration? Given the fact that the vast majority of her listed qualifications to run for State Rep center around her work as a Board of Ed member, it would be impossible for Ding to promote herself as a candidate without mentioning her service on the BOE.

Are we also to believe that in seeking political favors and endorsements from various democrats, such as Welch and Mah, throughout the State she is not beholden to follow the Democratic party line when voting as a BOE member? This is the very definition of surrendering her responsibilities to special interest and partisan political groups.

One also wonders if the “educators” who “approved” the LGBTQ+ books Ding voted in favor of include the D220 educators who have publicly endorsed Ding on her political web and social pages? That certainly raises the question of impropriety. Ding knows what a conflict of interest is. She’s just apparently arbitrary in her self-enforcement of them.

The question you may have is, with the partisan history of this decidedly Democrat leaning Board of Education, what can be done? We suggest you start by emailing the Board of Education members and Superintendent Winkelman asking them how they plan to address Ding’s violation of her School Board oath of office. Will they hold Ding, and themselves, to the very polices they all voted to adopt? Will they at least attempt to give the appearance of nonpartisanship and represent the entire community, not just the faction that leans the same way they do?

We know from past issues like ignored survey responses, COVID school closures, student masking & sexually explicit books in D220 libraries, an email may feel like a fruitless waste of your time. That is why we also suggest copying the Regional Office of Education, the entity responsible for ensuring Illinois School Boards follow policy, and ask they hold the D220 Board of Education accountable to the standards set for all Boards of Education throughout Illinois.

D220 Superintendent: cwinkelman@barrington220.org

D220 Board of Education: stwang@barrington220.org, dclopton@barrington220.org, baltshuler@barrington220.org, sbradford@barrington220.org, lcollisterlazzari@barrington220.org, echanding@barrington220.org, hsrivastava@barrington220.org

Regional Office of Education: ROEISC@isbe.net

Dr. Michael Karner Lake County Regional Superintendent of Schools: Mkarner@lake.k12.il.us

The reality is Ding has every right to run as a Democrat for State Rep, but she does not have the right to use her current position on the Board of Education for personal gain or publicity in her capacity as a candidate. If Ding chooses to continue her run for State Rep she has no choice but to step down from her position on the BOE.

This is not the time for complacency. The next meeting of the D220 Board of Education is July 15th. Send the email, make your voice heard, speak up during public comment, share this information with friends and neighbors, and hold the D220 Board of Education accountable to the policies they set. Make it clear to the D220 Board of Ed that you consider the BOE a vital elected position that impacts your children and your tax dollars; a position you believe should be more than just a stepping stone for their present and future political ambitions.

Related: “Ding’s D220 Deception,” “Chan Ding running in Democratic primary in 52nd,” “Three (3) Democratic candidates queued to run for the IL 52nd District House seat in 2026”

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Ding’s D220 Deception

Posted in 220, Barrington Education Association, Board of Education, Daily Herald, Deception, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Education, Elections, Ethics, Illinois Federation of Teachers, Illinois State Board of Elections, New Normal?, News Media, OP/Ed, Open Meetings Act, Politics, Property Taxes, School Districts, South Barrington, Taxes, Topics Of Interest, Transparency, Unions, Wirepoints on June 20, 2025| 4 Comments »

On April 22, 2025, the Barrington School District 220 election results were certified. Among the successful candidates was incumbent Erin Chan Ding.

The new members were installed at the May 6, 2025, School Board meeting. Ding previously won election in 2021 and had served as a School Board member for 4 years before winning reelection. During those years of service from May 4, 2021, through her reelection and installation on May 6, 2025, Barrington 220 School District policies, including the Code of Conduct, were discussed, revised and voted upon. Ding vowed to uphold these policies when she took her oath of office, the most recent being her swearing in on May 6, 2025. Among these policies are:

2:80-E Exhibit – Board Member Code of Conduct

Each member of the Community Unit School District 220 Board of Education ascribes to the following code of conduct:

  1. I will represent all school district constituents honestly and equally and refuse to surrender my responsibilities to special interest or partisan political groups.

  2. I will avoid any conflict of interest or the appearance of impropriety which could result from my position, and shall not use my Board of Education membership for personal gain or publicity.

Board records show that the Board discussed and voted to reaffirm the Code of Conduct on September 5, 2023, where Ding seconded the motion. Ding further serves on the Board’s Policy Committee that once again reviewed and recommended this Code of Conduct on August 24, 2024.

As seen in recent publications, on June 18th, Ding officially launched her candidacy in the Democratic primary in the 52nd House District. In doing so, Ding has squarely violated the Board Member Code of Conduct. In Sec. 2:80-E(1), Ding swore to:

“refuse to surrender (her) responsibilities to special interest or partisan political groups…”

Yet, on June 18 she launched a decidedly partisan campaign for a Democratic position. In Sec. 2:80-E(2), Ding swore to “not use (her) Board of Education membership for personal gain or publicity.” Yet, as seen on her social media pages and in media releases, Ding has published and been quoted using her Board of Education position as a boon for her Democratic campaign:

“As a twice-elected school board member, I care deeply about ensuring all children and people feel valued and seen — and confident that their local representatives will work for them.” (Daily Herald article)

Ding has violated her oath of office and her commitment to non-partisan representation of the Community Unit School District 220 Board of Education. One of the Illinois Democratic Party’s largest funding comes from Illinois Teachers Unions.

Wirepoints recently reported: “In the last four years alone, Illinois lawmakers and political candidates have taken nearly $30 million in contributions from teachers unions and their national affiliates. Nearly $26 million, or 94%, of those contributions have been accepted by Democrats… Since 2020, 19 of the top 20 recipients of teacher union political contributions were Democrats or Democratic Party-supported initiatives.” (https://wirepoints.org/teacher-unions-have-spent-nearly-30-million-on-elections-in-four-years-wirepoints/)

In fact, Illinois Federation of Teachers endorsed the Democratic challenger, Maria Peterson, in the last election for the 52nd House District. (https://www.ift-aft.org/candidates).

You’ll be hard pressed to find a Republican among these endorsements, although there are a few. And, Peterson’s D-2’s for her run for the 52nd exhibits over $37,000.00 in donations from Illinois Federation of Teachers and Lake County Federation of Teachers.

(Click on images to enlarge)

It is implausible to believe that Ding will not be beholden to the teachers’ unions or disavow endorsements and donations from their lobbyists. Similarly, JB Pritzker’s $50,000.00 will be in play,

(Click on image to enlarge)

not to mention the other hundreds of thousands of dollars from the Democratic Party that built up Peterson’s $2,821,571.28 war chest. Ding simply cannot avoid the “appearance of impropriety” while she panders to these partisan special interest groups in order to build her own war chest.

And, of course, she votes on the union contract for the D220 teachers as well as on any disciplinary actions to be taken against a teacher. Yet, she lists among her endorsements multiple “public educators” in Barrington 220. How does this not present a “conflict of interest” and an “appearance of impropriety”?

Beyond these clear violations of the Code of Conduct, in seeking these endorsements Ding has also violated Sec. 2:105 Ethics & Gift Ban, which prohibits acceptance of political favors.

It is also implausible to believe that Ding did not conceive of running for the 52nd at the same time she was running for 220 School Board. Ding deceived the voters in running for her current position on the Community Unit School District 220 Board of Education. In fact, she has commingled her Erin for Illinois social media page with that of her Erin for 220 page as if there’s no distinction.

“Friends of Erin Chan Ding” is listed as being responsible for her “Erin for Illinois” Facebook page in her run for the 52nd District and is the committee that ran Ding’s School Board election. This is another clear violation of her oath and the Code of Conduct. She boldly states: “And yes, I’ll continue to serve on the Barrington 220 school board with my whole heart during this campaign,” as though she has the unfettered right to defy the rules that govern her School Board conduct.

We call upon and urge all voters to demand Ding’s immediate resignation from Community Unit School District 220 Board of Education as she has violated the Board Code and demonstrated her clear partisan representation of the public in this position.

Editorial note: We’d be remiss in failing to point out that two other Community Unit School District 220 Board of Education members have participated in Ding’s announcement that she’s running for higher office, with both Barry Altshuler and Harathi Srivistava appearing at Ding’s announcement party (both pictured in the photo above).

While this may not rise to the level of an OMA violation, it certainly evidences the very partisan (Democratic) nature of your current District 220 Board of Education. Indeed, Srivistava was widely endorsed and largely funded by the Illinois Democratic Party.

Related: “Chan Ding running in Democratic primary in 52nd,” “Three (3) Democratic candidates queued to run for the IL 52nd District House seat in 2026”

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Two District 220 Board of Education meetings this evening

Posted in 220, Agendas, Barrington Education Association, Board of Education, Deception, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Education, Elections, Ethics, His Master's Voice, Intergovernmental agreements (IGA), New Normal?, Open Meetings Act, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Property Taxes, Public Safety, School Districts, Taxes, Transparency, Unions, Video Streaming, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on May 6, 2025| Leave a Comment »

The District 220 Board of Education will conduct two meets this evening at the District Administration Center, 515 W. Main Street beginning at 6 PM.

Regular Board of Education Meeting

Items on their agenda include:

A copy of the agenda can be viewed here. The meeting will be live-streamed on the district YouTube channel.

Organizational Board of Education Meeting

Items on this meeting include:

  • Oath of Office
  • Consideration to Approve Appointing Temporary Chairperson
  • Consideration to Approve Electing President
  • Consideration to Approve Electing Vice President
  • Consideration to Approve Electing Secretary
  • Consideration to Approve Electing Treasurer
  • Committee Assignments, and
  • School Improvement Update

A copy of the agenda can be viewed here.

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Darby Hills Sworn In to Represent Illinois’ 26th Senate District

Posted in Animal Welfare, Appointments, Barrington Education Association, BOHICA, Clown Car, Deception, Dinky, Ethics, FOIA, FUBAR, Goat Rodeo, Look For The Union Label, Massbach Hounds, New Normal?, Politics, Press Release, Resident Spotlights, Springfield, The Chicago Way, Transparency, Unions, Village Government, Wikipedia on February 28, 2025| 2 Comments »

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 28th, 2025

BARRINGTON HILLS, IL – Darby Hills has officially been sworn in as the new State Senator for Illinois’ 26th Senate District, bringing a lifelong commitment to public service and advocacy for children and families to the Illinois Senate. A dedicated community leader, Hills has served as a trustee on the Barrington Hills Village Board and is the founder of Barrington Children’s Charity, which provides meals to hundreds of children each week.

“I am honored to officially represent the 26th District in the Illinois Senate, and my mission is clear— fighting for the families who make this community strong. We must support parents, create opportunities for kids to succeed, and ensure government works for the people, not against them,” said Hills. “I will fight to cut taxes, hold government accountable and advance policies that grow our economy. I will bring the voices of families to Springfield and work every day to build a better future for the next generation.”

Hills’ commitment to public service is deeply personal. Raised in a working-class household by a single mother, she understands the challenges families face and has dedicated her career to making a difference. Through Barrington Children’s Charity, she has helped ensure that 525 children receive meals each week in Barrington-area schools. As a Barrington Hills trustee, she has fought to keep taxes low, rein in wasteful spending, and hold government accountable.

A former Cook County prosecutor and attorney, Hills brings both legal expertise and real-world experience to the Senate. She is also a wife and mother of three, giving her a firsthand perspective on the issues that matter most to families.

As she begins her service in the Illinois Senate, Hills is focused on providing relief for taxpayers, ensuring government is transparent and accountable, and promoting policies that strengthen the economy. She is committed to supporting families, expanding opportunities for children, and making sure the voices of her constituents are heard in Springfield.

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Related: “Darby Hills chosen — again — to succeed Dan McConchie in state Senate,” “’The Fix’ is in?,” “Darby Hills’ appointment to state Senate on hold as Republicans reopen applications for McConchie’s seat,” “26th Legislative District Committee meeting cancelled,” “State Senator seat at any price?,” ”26th Legislative District Committee meeting tomorrow,” “Do Over Scheduled for Meeting to Replace State Senator Dan McConchie,” “Restraining order sought to block 26th Senate appointment amid legal fight,” “Lawsuit challenges legality of GOP appointment to 26th State Senate seat,” “McConchie’s would-be successor isn’t a Republican and can’t serve, lawsuit alleges,” “Darby Hills Appointed as New State Senator for Illinois’ 26th Senate District”

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“The Fix” is in?

Posted in Aunt Blabby, Contests, Daily Herald, Deception, Dinky, Ethics, Illinois State Board of Elections, New Normal?, OP/Ed, Politics, Resident Spotlights, Village Board, Village Government, Wikipedia, WTF on February 28, 2025| 1 Comment »

According to Wikipedia, “This page was last edited on 23 February 2025, at 00:16 (UTC).”

A week ago today, the Daily Herald reported, “Darby Hills’ appointment to state Senate on hold as Republicans reopen applications for McConchie’s seat.”

Their report went on to state:

“Any additional applicants will be interviewed privately before a public vote is taken at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28 at the Palatine Township Republican Organization headquarters, 765 N. Quentin Road, Palatine.”

Apparently, no one bothered to inform Mrs. Hills, since her Wikipedia page (found here) states she is a, “Member of the Illinois Senate from the 26th district,” and that she “Assumed Office February 15, 2025.”  According Wikipedia, “This page was last edited on 23 February 2025, at 00:16 (UTC).”

A PDF copy of Hills’ page, provided by Wikipedia, can be viewed and downloaded for your convenience here.

So is “The Fix” in? You decide…

Related: “Darby Hills’ appointment to state Senate on hold as Republicans reopen applications for McConchie’s seat,” “26th Legislative District Committee meeting cancelled,” “State Senator seat at any price?,” ”26th Legislative District Committee meeting tomorrow,” “Do Over Scheduled for Meeting to Replace State Senator Dan McConchie,” “Restraining order sought to block 26th Senate appointment amid legal fight,” “Lawsuit challenges legality of GOP appointment to 26th State Senate seat,” “McConchie’s would-be successor isn’t a Republican and can’t serve, lawsuit alleges,” “Darby Hills Appointed as New State Senator for Illinois’ 26th Senate District”

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Darby Hills Appointed as New State Senator for Illinois’ 26th Senate District

Posted in Appointments, Clown Car, Contests, Dumb and Dumber, Elections, Ethics, FUBAR, Goat Rodeo, Mad Cows, New Normal?, Politics, Press Release, Resident Spotlights, SNAFU, The Chicago Way, Village Board, Village Government, WTF on February 15, 2025| 3 Comments »

Darby Hills

BARRINGTON HILLS, IL – Darby Hills, 49, a dedicated advocate for children and families, has been selected as the new State Senator for Illinois’ 26th Senate District.

A trustee on the Barrington Hills Village Board and founder of Barrington Children’s Charity, Hills has spent years fighting for children in need, ensuring they have the support and resources to thrive.

“I am honored to serve as the next State Senator for the 26th District.

“This isn’t just about policy for me—it’s personal.

“I know firsthand the impact a little support can have on a child’s future, and I’m eager to bring that perspective to Springfield,” said Hills.

“Whether it’s fighting for families, keeping taxes low, or ensuring government remains accountable, I will work every day to make a real difference.

“This community has given me so much, and I’m committed to being a strong voice for it in Springfield.”

Through Barrington Children’s Charity, Hills has led an all-volunteer effort that provides meals to 525 children each week across Barrington-area school districts.

Her passion for helping those less fortunate stems from her own experience growing up in a low-income household with a single mother, receiving the same kind of hand-up she now works to give others.

As a trustee on the Barrington Hills Village Board, Hills has been a strong advocate for keeping taxes low, responsible budgeting, and accountable government.

She has worked to rein in wasteful spending, protect taxpayers, and ensure local government serves residents efficiently.

Her leadership reflects a commitment to good governance—principles she will continue to champion in Springfield.

She will also fight to create a pro-business environment that supports local job creators and strengthens Illinois’ economy.

A former Cook County prosecutor and an attorney by trade, Hills has built a career rooted in service.

In addition to her legal and charitable work, she is a wife and mother of three, bringing both professional expertise and personal experience to the issues affecting families.

“Darby’s dedication to children and families, along with her experience as a prosecutor and local leader, make her an invaluable addition to our team,” said Senate Republican Leader John Curran (R-Downers Grove).

“She brings a deeply personal perspective to the fight for Illinois’ most vulnerable children—one that will drive real change in Springfield.

“I look forward to working alongside her as she advocates for pro-growth policies to lift up Illinois families and businesses.”

– From the Illinois Senate Republican Victory Fund

Editorial note: This is NO JOKE, but it’s understandable if some are laughing. You CANNOT make this (stuff) up!

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Editorial: Want a low-stress job with lots of time off? The state of Illinois says it wants to recruit YOU!

Posted in BOHICA, Chicago Tribune, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Economy, Education, FUBAR, Look For The Union Label, New Normal?, OP/Ed, Pension Funding, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, Taxes, The Chicago Way, Unions, Village Director of Administration, WTF on January 31, 2025| Leave a Comment »

People walk the halls Jan. 8, 2025, at the Illinois Capitol in Springfield. | Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune

By The Editorial Board | Chicago Tribune

The state of Illinois is seeking employees who don’t want a 40-hour workweek.

A cringey commercial you may have seen recently boasts that working for the state can mean five weeks off in your first year on the job, with flexible hours, a hybrid setup and good work-life balance, all while enjoying a 37.5-hour workweek.

This sounds like a sweet deal. Also one unavailable in most other full-time careers.

We know of course that some state workers toil long and hard at their jobs. Still, the state’s clueless ad leans into the worst critiques and caricatures of government work, maybe in an effort to appeal to a post-COVID-19 workforce that resents being called back to the office.

“What do you want from your career?” asks a voice at the start of the commercial. The faux potential recruits don’t then talk about their ambition or their desire to serve or to make Illinois better.

They talk about how much time off they want. Seriously? That’s the message?

We don’t take issue with people earning fair wages, getting breaks and having good benefits, but the commercial is tone-deaf. And it’s hard not to be miffed when you consider how state worker benefits compare with those the people paying taxes are getting.

An open administrative role for the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity pays up to $126,000 per year, and an open nurse position posted online in Elgin pays up to $102,000. State workers also retire with better benefits than the average Illinoisan. The maximum annual Social Security benefit for those in the private sector retiring at 62 for 2023 was just $30,864, while the average starting pension for career workers participating in the State Employees’ Retirement System is $52,920 (many state workers also get Social Security for private work, and some have retired as early as 55).

Read more here.

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