From edgarcountywatchdogs.com: We ended our last article on the Tri-State Fire Protection District with this statement: "Stay tuned for some pretty amazing exposure yet to come!" (Click here for previous article). To serve as a trustee in a fire protection district, you must be an "inhabitant" of that district. According to Black's Law Dictionary, an inhabitant is defined as "one who resides actually and permanently in a given place, and has his domicile there." So why shouldn't Mr. Orrico be considered a valid trustee for the Tri-State Fire Protection District? Because he lives in Joliet, Illinois. On April 21, 2015, Mr. Orrico purchased a home in Joliet, and his name is clearly listed on the deed. (Click here for copy of the Deed) Property tax records confirm that his primary residence is at the Joliet address. He received a $6,000 homeowner's exemption on his tax bill, which is only available if the property is claimed as your primary residence. (Click here for copy of property tax records with exemption highlighted) The property he owns within the fire district—where he previously told DuPage County voter registration officials he lived—may also raise questions, depending on timing. The mailbox at that address doesn’t have the name "Orrico," and while the DuPage County recorder shows he still owns the property, he didn’t claim a homeowners exemption there. (Click here for DuPage County tax records) Fire district trustees aren’t exactly a highly sought-after position. So why did Mr. Orrico want this role in the first place? A contract for three ambulances from his company seems like a good starting point. Perhaps his well-known friendship with the chief has played a part in benefiting both parties? Regardless, one thing is clear: Mr. Orrico is no longer a legal trustee of the Tri-State FPD as of April 21, 2015, and any actions he took after that date should be carefully reviewed for potential legal issues. The Fire Protection District Act is very clear. (70 ILCS 705/5) states: "Whenever a member of the elected board of trustees of a fire protection district ceases to be an inhabitant of the district, his or her office shall become immediately vacant." Not only does the Fire Protection District Act make this clear, but so does the Election Code. (10 ILCS 5/25-2) says: "Every elective office shall become vacant on the happening of any of the following events before the expiration of the term of such office: ... (4) His or her ceasing to be an inhabitant of the State; or if the office is local, his or her ceasing to be an inhabitant of the district." So it’s crystal clear—Mr. Orrico is no longer a trustee of the Tri-State FPD, which means a vacancy exists! If he denies this, he’ll have to explain to Will County authorities why he committed fraud by claiming a homeowners exemption under false pretenses. We strongly recommend that his access to the facility be revoked immediately, and his keys be taken back to prevent any further potential misconduct. And once again, stay tuned for more amazing exposure that may lead to the removal of yet another official. Thanks, Scott In-tank Fuel Filter,Fuel Filter ,Gasoline Fuel Filter,Spin On Fuel Filter,Eco Fuel Filter ZHEJIANG UNIVERSE FILTER CO.,LTD. , https://www.unifil.com
I think "amazing" is an understatement. Mr. Orrico has once again proven that if it looks like a rat and smells like a rat, it probably is a rat. It turns out that Mr. Orrico is violating yet another law—and he's no longer even legally qualified to be a trustee!