AFP Calls on Milhiser, Raoul to Hold Local Elected Officials Responsible for Illegal Activity

Jul 9, 2025 by AFP

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Today, Americans for Prosperity-Illinois (AFP-Illinois) sent a letter to Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser and Attorney General Raoul calling for a formal investigation into the 35 ethics complaints filed against Rochester Public Library officials. After the board and staff acknowledged wrongdoing, they pleaded ignorance of the law as their defense.

Rochester’s local library has engaged in prohibited political activities using taxpayer-funded resources to promote a “Vote Yes” campaign for a tax referendum.

Since these illegal acts were brought to light, the Rochester Public Library Ethics Commission recognized the validity of the complaints but refused to impose any penalties on those responsible, citing a “fatally flawed” ethics ordinance not in compliance with state law. Under current Illinois law, local units of government are charged with policing themselves, and the Rochester Library Board took full advantage of that power by acknowledging fault but holding no one accountable.

AFP-Illinois Deputy State Director Brian Costin issued the following statement:

“AFP-Illinois is calling on State’s Attorney Milhiser and Attorney General Raoul to uphold the law and impose appropriate penalties when public officials violate it. Illinois has a systemic problem with elected officials abusing taxpayer resources and misleading the public. Ignorance of the law is no excuse—and the failure to adopt a lawful ethics ordinance cannot be used as a shield from accountability.

“The situation in Rochester is emblematic of a deeper, statewide issue: too many public officials are left to police themselves, exploiting weak oversight and loopholes to avoid consequences. The time for real ethics reform is now. Without it, Illinois will continue enabling a system where those in power operate above the law.”

BACKGROUND:

AFP-Illinois is dedicated to protecting Illinois taxpayers and has launched a watchdog group and hosted events across the state to empower grassroots activists to hold government accountable.

Following a whistleblower tip about a November 2024 property tax referendum, AFP-Illinois filed a package of 35 ethics complaints against multiple Rochester Public Library District officials for alleged violations of 5 ILCS 430/5-15 of the Illinois State Officials and Employees Ethics Act and the Rochester Public Library District’s Ethics Ordinance.