MADISON - ST. CLAIR RECORD

Questions swirling over the sudden departure of Madison County Administrator Jim Monday were answered through a hired spokesman for the county board.

After 20 years on the job, he retired on Tuesday citing personal reasons, according to spokesman Jeff Wehling.

Madison County Sheriff Robert Hertz confirmed that a computer was taken from the administration building on Monday afternoon, but declined to say if it belonged to Mr. Monday.

"We have information involving Mr. Monday, but at this point it appears to be strictly an internal matter," said Hertz. "We routinely do not comment on internal matters."

He said an internal matter can turn into a criminal matter.

"In that event, then we are more prepared to answer to the public," said Hertz.

The matter involving Monday and the seized computer is under review, said Hertz.

Madison County Board Chairman Alan J. Dunstan appointed Joseph D. Parente interim director of administration.

The late Nellie Hagnauer, longtime county board chairman, named Monday director of administration in 1985. Monday began his career with Madison County in 1976.

Wehling, who said he has been hired by the county as a public relations contractor on other matters and not just for this project, issued a press release Wednesday afternoon.

In it, Dunstan states, "For more than 20 years, Jim Monday was an important figure in Madison County government. On behalf of the county board, we wish only the best for Jim in his retirement."

Parente has served for more than 20 years in county government, and for the last 14 years has served as the administrator of the Madison County Planning & Development department.

A resident of Glen Carbon, Parente has a Masters of Public Administration degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.