SPRINGFIELD, IL – Americans For Prosperity-Illinois (AFP-IL) has 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. The complaint has been filed with the library district’s Ethics Commission and been referred to the Sangamon County States Attorney’s Office.
The complaint accuses library officials of engaging in prohibited political activities using taxpayer-funded resources to promote the “Vote Yes” campaign for a tax referendum.
The complaint outlines actions by five library employees including Library Director Janet McAllister, seven board members, including Board President Sarah Deen, and four affiliated entities, including the misuse of public funds, coordination with political organizations, and improper or failure to disclose campaign-related expenditures.
“The misuse of taxpayer-funded resources for political purposes is a clear violation of Illinois law and local ordinance and erodes public trust,” said Brian Costin, Deputy State Director for AFP-IL. “We are calling for accountability and full transparency to ensure these unethical actions do not go unchecked.”
Key Allegations
- Use of Official Resources for Political Campaigning
- Board President Sarah Deen appeared in a video recorded on library property with the library logo posted on the library’s Facebook page encouraging residents to support the “Vote Yes Committee” and urging potential supporters to contact her or Executive Director Janet McAllister to get involved in the campaign.
- Coordination with Political Action Committee & Outside Vendors
- Library officials used public resources in working with EveryLibrary, a 501(c)4 PAC, to create strategies and communicate with voters about passing the tax referendum. The library solicited and received campaign planning help from Creative Entourage and passed confidential patron information from Creative Entourage’s publicly funded survey onto the “Vote Yes” campaign committee.
- Discussion & Distribution of Political Campaign Plans in Public Meetings
- Emails & meeting records show extensive records of library staff and the board creating, discussing and distributing detailed plans for the “Vote Yes” campaign at public board meetings and committee meetings.
- Library Employees Campaigning Using Public Resources
- Multiple library employees used their public positions and resources to connect patrons to further the political campaign. Activities included identifying volunteers, distributing campaign signs/literature, and facilitating a placement of a “Vote Yes Committee” booth at the Farmer’s Market event directly next to the library’s booth at the request of Board President Sarah Deen.
- Use of Friends of the Library for Campaign Funding & Events
- Board members and the Director McAllister repeatedly pressured and coordinated with the Friends of the Library – a 501(c)3 organization – to sponsor events tied to the “Vote Yes” campaign and solicit campaign donations, violating local ordinances, state law, and campaign finance rules.
AFP-Illinois is calling for:
- A hearing of the Rochester Public Library’s Ethics Commission with a recommendation for an immediate referral to the Sangamon County State’s Attorney and Illinois State Board of Elections.
- A full forensic audit and independent investigation into the actions of Director Janet McAllister, Board President Sarah Deen, and all involved board & staff members.
- Full transparency and a comprehensive review of all library expenditures and communications related to political activities, including a release of all executive session recordings and written records related to the referendum.
- Immediate accountability for anyone found violating state laws or Rochester Library’s ethics ordinance.
Potential Penalties
According to the Rochester Public Library’s Ethics Ordinance – a person is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor if that person intentionally violates any provision of Section 430/5-15 and the ethics commission may recommend an administrative fine of up to $5,000.000 against any person who violates the ordinance. In addition to any other penalty that may apply, whether criminal or civil, a library trustee or employee who intentionally violates any provision of Section 5-15 is subject to discipline or discharge by the appropriate ultimate jurisdictional authority.
AFP-IL calls on the Rochester Public Library Board and relevant authorities to investigate the allegations thoroughly and take appropriate corrective actions to uphold the integrity of public service.