McLean County Board Chairman Matt Sorensen has resigned saying he does not want his legal troubles to be a distraction to the employees and elected officials of the county. Sorensen turned in a letter shortly before a meeting of the County Executive Committee. In it he said it has been a true pleasure to serve the people. Sorensen is under federal fraud indictment over an alleged false billing scheme involving Sorensen's consulting businesses. County Board Vice Chair John McIntyre says the situation is unfortunate.
"Matt Sorensen was a good leader for the County. We were able to get a lot accomplished during his reign and his tenure. We all are disappointed and are trying to show support as well."
McIntyre also says he believes Sorensen made the right choice in stepping down.
"In Matt's situation he's going to have to devote full time to the situation at hand. And at any time that is the case that can be a distraction to any of us. We have to be able to find time to serve the county."
County Board member and County Republican Party Chair Chuck Erickson agrees.
"This is a public setting where we have a fiduciary role over public funds. And until it was cleared up, it was wise for him to step down."
Sorensen faces arraignment in Chicago Wednesday afternoon.
Sorensen's District 2 position on the board will be declared vacant, candidates encouraged to ask for appointment, and a new member selected, probably before the March primary election. That person would serve the remainder of Sorenson's term until the November election. Political parties would be able to slate candidates for the general election. The District represents people in part of the southeast side of Bloomington as well as rural towns such as LeRoy, Downs, and Ellsworth.
The McLean County Board will also have to choose a new Chairman. Vice Chair McIntyre says he will seek the position. As head of the County Republican Party, board member Chuck Erickson could be expected to have support. But, Erickson quickly took his name out of consideration.
"Uh no. John McIntyre should be the next County Board Chairman. I'm voting for John McIntyre. (Reporter: Why don't you want to seek it?) Because John is very experienced and I think he would do a very good job at it."
Erickson says there could be aftershocks from the news of the indictment and Sorensen's resignation.
"Well, I think that's something the County Board needs to discuss; if we need to take a deeper look to see if it may have extended to county government."
Though, Erickson says Sorensen contributed much through his public service.
"Matt Sorensen was a very creative thinker and he was a creative thinker on the County Board and we're going to lose that. On the other hand, it was his creative thinking that may have got himself into this problem. that may have created the mess that he's got himself into."
In addition to the ordinary work of the board, Sorensen had his hand on many current major projects not limited to: the expansion of mental health services, a jail expansion and renovation project, and overhauling and redesigning the criminal justice information system. Vice Chair McIntyre denies that those might be impacted by the abrupt departure.
"No, I really don't think so. Matt was very instrumental in promoting many of these projects and initiating them. We have things pretty much in place to see that we can follow through with them."
McIntyre also says he hopes public trust in county government will not be impacted.
"And we will certainly work to be sure that we are gaining the confidence of all of our constituents. And we obviously want to do that. ...We have had a very positive working legislative organization here and will continue to work for the best for the citizens"
He says the county needs to move ahead with business and present solidarity down the road.
