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Former trustee resigns, heads up
public works
Newly elected trustee Matthew Ames resigns upon
admission to felony past and takes the reigns at Broadview
Village Public Works Department.
By L. NICOLE TROTTIE, Publisher
Contributions Kevin Williams
June 25, 2009
A former trustee of the Village of Broadview steps down
from the board and steps up among the ranks of public
works.
Matthew Ames, newly elected to the Village Board resigned
this month after admitting to a past felony conviction.
Ames, 45, who was convicted of a felony in the 1990s in
another state, said at a board meeting that his past is no
secret. “I’m stepping down so not to be a distraction to the
new administration.”
Judy Brown-Marino, who lost the bid for mayor against
newly elected Mayor Sherman Jones, brought Ames past
felony conviction to light, according to Jones. Marino
upheld Illinois statutes that state it is illegal for a convicted
felon to hold an elected seat in a local municipal, however
county and state is exempt from the law.
Ames ran on the Broadview Party ticket with Jones. Jones
said in an interview with the Journal he knew about Ames
past during the campaign and would not make an issue of it
unless someone objected. “I was proud to have him [Ames]
as a running mate. He paid his dues to society.” Not until
Marino objected did Ames or Jones rethink Ames’ position.
“I maintain that he is among the best trustees for
Broadview,” Jones said. “He’s committed and passionate
about doing what is right for the village,” Jones added.
Some residents and community leaders agree with Jones.
Pastor Jacques Conway of Neighborhood United Methodist
Church and former Oak Park Police Sergeant said Ames
resignation comes as a disappointment. “He served his
time and paid his debt to society and has done something
positive with his life,” Conway said. “It’s a shame… but it’s
almost like double jeopardy [which is being charged with
the same crime twice].”
Resident Sue Henry voiced concern about why Ames did
not mention his conviction during the election. “Had he
brought this out in the beginning it would have avoided a
lot of this aftermath,” Henry said. “However when someone
has paid their debt to society I don’t think they should be
penalized repeatedly,” Henry added.
Ames is the owner of MFA Construction Inc. based in
Hillside. The company, under Ames leadership, which
redevelops residential housing, was appointed ny an
ordinance at the village board meeting June 19 to Manager
of Public Works for the village.
Ames resignation from the board left two vacant trustee
seats to be filled. Jones appointed a new trustee, Woodie
Morris Jr., at the June 19 board meeting leaving one slot
open. It’s said that a special election may be held to fill the
remaining trustee seat.
public works
Newly elected trustee Matthew Ames resigns upon
admission to felony past and takes the reigns at Broadview
Village Public Works Department.
By L. NICOLE TROTTIE, Publisher
Contributions Kevin Williams
June 25, 2009
A former trustee of the Village of Broadview steps down
from the board and steps up among the ranks of public
works.
Matthew Ames, newly elected to the Village Board resigned
this month after admitting to a past felony conviction.
Ames, 45, who was convicted of a felony in the 1990s in
another state, said at a board meeting that his past is no
secret. “I’m stepping down so not to be a distraction to the
new administration.”
Judy Brown-Marino, who lost the bid for mayor against
newly elected Mayor Sherman Jones, brought Ames past
felony conviction to light, according to Jones. Marino
upheld Illinois statutes that state it is illegal for a convicted
felon to hold an elected seat in a local municipal, however
county and state is exempt from the law.
Ames ran on the Broadview Party ticket with Jones. Jones
said in an interview with the Journal he knew about Ames
past during the campaign and would not make an issue of it
unless someone objected. “I was proud to have him [Ames]
as a running mate. He paid his dues to society.” Not until
Marino objected did Ames or Jones rethink Ames’ position.
“I maintain that he is among the best trustees for
Broadview,” Jones said. “He’s committed and passionate
about doing what is right for the village,” Jones added.
Some residents and community leaders agree with Jones.
Pastor Jacques Conway of Neighborhood United Methodist
Church and former Oak Park Police Sergeant said Ames
resignation comes as a disappointment. “He served his
time and paid his debt to society and has done something
positive with his life,” Conway said. “It’s a shame… but it’s
almost like double jeopardy [which is being charged with
the same crime twice].”
Resident Sue Henry voiced concern about why Ames did
not mention his conviction during the election. “Had he
brought this out in the beginning it would have avoided a
lot of this aftermath,” Henry said. “However when someone
has paid their debt to society I don’t think they should be
penalized repeatedly,” Henry added.
Ames is the owner of MFA Construction Inc. based in
Hillside. The company, under Ames leadership, which
redevelops residential housing, was appointed ny an
ordinance at the village board meeting June 19 to Manager
of Public Works for the village.
Ames resignation from the board left two vacant trustee
seats to be filled. Jones appointed a new trustee, Woodie
Morris Jr., at the June 19 board meeting leaving one slot
open. It’s said that a special election may be held to fill the
remaining trustee seat.
Matthew Ames swearing-in ceremony.
WSJ file photo
WSJ file photo