HJ0090 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HJ0090 LRB093 22401 JAM 51709 r

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Subsection (b) of Section 25-10 of the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act (5 ILCS 430/25-10) requires that the Legislative Ethics Commission shall diligently search out qualified candidates for the Legislative Inspector General and make recommendations to the General Assembly, which shall appoint a Legislative Inspector General by joint resolution; and

WHEREAS, Subsection (b) of Section 25-10 further states that the Legislative Inspector General shall be selected solely on the basis of integrity and demonstrated ability and sets forth the necessary educational and employment criteria; and

WHEREAS, The Legislative Ethics Commission has nominated Mr. Thomas J. Homer for appointment as Legislative Inspector General by its Legislative Ethics Commission Resolution 2004-1 submitted to the General Assembly on May 26, 2004; and

WHEREAS, As the personification of integrity and ability, Mr. Thomas J. Homer has had an exemplary career of public service that more than qualifies him to serve as the Legislative Inspector General; and

WHEREAS, A native of Illinois, Mr. Homer was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1974 and has devoted his professional life to the law in various capacities that provide him with a thorough and well-rounded understanding of the ethical demands of governmental endeavors; and

WHEREAS, After serving as an Assistant State's Attorney in Lake County and as the Fulton County State's Attorney, Mr. Homer was a member of the Illinois House of Representatives from 1982 to 1994, during which time he also engaged in the private practice of law; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Homer was elected to the Illinois Third District Appellate Court in 1996, thus adding to his skills in interpreting legislative intent and human behavior; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Homer's lengthy resume of experience and accomplishments uniquely qualifies him for the position of Legislative Inspector General, an office that necessitates both keen intellect and insight into the personal and professional motivations of persons acting in the public realm; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we accept the nomination by the Legislative Ethics Commission and appoint Mr. Thomas J. Homer as Legislative Inspector General in accordance with subsection (b) of Section 25-10 of the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act, endorsing him wholeheartedly as surpassing all statutory requirements and ensuring that his sterling character and dedication to government service will enhance the office of Legislative Inspector General and benefit the administration of the ethical foundation on which Illinois legislators and legislative employees operate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That, in accordance with subsection (b) of Section 25-10 of the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act, the appointment of Mr. Thomas J. Homer takes effect upon the adoption of this joint resolution by the affirmative vote of three-fifths of the members elected to each house of the General Assembly, the certification of this joint resolution by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate, and the filing of this joint resolution with the Secretary of State; and be it further

RESOLVED, That, in accordance with subsection (b) of Section 25-10 of the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act, the term of Legislative Inspector General Homer shall commence upon his qualification and run through June 30, 2008; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be delivered to Mr. Thomas J. Homer and the Legislative Ethics Commission.