Maine Township Supervisor Laura Morask betrayed a fundamental misunderstanding of the laws governing township appointments when she hired a friend to run the township’s food pantry, according to the Edgar County Watchdogs (ECW).
The ECW reported that Morask hired the friend to the part-time position, that pays $30,000, without running a job search. Morask told the local Daily Herald that the appointment was legal because the food pantry falls under the general assistance department and is not subject to rules governing other township positions.
While Morask was correct that general assistance positions can be appointed by the township supervisor, she was incorrect in her assertion that the food pantry is part of the general assistance department, the ECW contends, saying it should actually be considered part of township services, which include social services for the poor and aged.
Edgar County Watchdogs co-founder Kirk Allen
"Based on the law and the events reported, it is our firm belief and opinion that the Maine Township supervisor overstepped her authority and hired her friend in violation of the Township Code," the ECW posted on its Illinois Leaks website. "A food pantry is a township service and not to be funded with general assistance."
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