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* This is kinda strange…
Cook County Forest Preserve officials are set to negotiate a deal to buy Rolling Knolls Golf Course — which is owned by county Commissioner Timothy Schneider’s family.
The Forest Preserve Board on Thursday approved a proposal authorizing further talks with Schneider’s family about acquiring the 65-acre golf course near Elgin. The vote came about two weeks after the Elgin Planning Commission voted down the Schneider family’s plan to turn Rolling Knolls into a smaller nine-hole course and a subdivision.
Schneider recused himself from Thursday’s vote and said he had not been involved in discussions with the Forest Preserve District about the possible sale.
* But there’s more…
…a Cook County Forest Preserve representative contacted Schneider about buying the golf course, which is adjacent to the Poplar Creek Forest Preserve.
“I told him that I couldn’t have anything to do with negotiations with the county . . . and to contact my brother,” Schneider said. “It will be a decision I will be involved in as well as my four other brothers, sister and mother. . . . I have recused myself” from voting on the matter.
Telling the representative to contact his brother might be considered cooperating with the forest preserves efforts, or maybe I’m just nitpicking. Still, I find this odd.
* More reform and renewal…
* City replaces sewer inspection firm linked to mayor’s family
* Blagojevich tries to restrict campaign donors
* Governor’s try at restricting campaign cash criticized
* Dr. Blagojevich, you’ve created a monster!
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Sep 5, 08 @ 9:42 am
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Cook County government has forfeited their right to the benefit of the doubt regarding conflicts of interest. Nowhere in this article is it explained why the Schneider is interested in selling the golf course, why the county would be interested in purchasing, or if Schneider has pursued selling the property on the open market.
Comment by The Doc Friday, Sep 5, 08 @ 10:33 am
Did the Forest Preserve want it before? Are there no private buyers interested? Careful, everyone involved.
Comment by wordslinger Friday, Sep 5, 08 @ 10:41 am
This is an area fraught with peril for all concerned. I guess as long as the letter of the law is preserved, as far as conflicts go, this might be OK. At least Schneider recused himself.
The Cook County forest preserve system already runs several golf courses, so it’s not like it’s out there in left field or something. The fees can perhaps pay for the new course in a few years.
Current courses are in Burnham, Edgebrook (Chicago), Hoffman Estates, Hinsdale, Chicago (6150 North Caldwell & Indian Boundary), Morton Grove, Calumet City, Oak Forest, Des Plaines, and Riverdale. So at least it’s a course in an area not yet covered.
Comment by cermak_rd Friday, Sep 5, 08 @ 11:15 am
If this were Todd Stroger’s golf course that the forest preserve was negotiating to buy, Commissioner Schneider and other Stroger critics would be up in arms.
Comment by Reformer Saturday, Sep 6, 08 @ 8:24 am