The Madison County Board voted against the recommended appointment of board member Michael “Doc” Holliday (D-Alton) to the Southwestern Illinois Law Enforcement Commission (SILEC).
During the Feb. 15 board meeting, Board Chairman Kurt Prenzler said Holliday is the senior member on the board and was recommended by the current and former SILEC directors.
Many county board members raised concerns about Holliday’s recommended appointment due to his support of the SAFE-T Act, which eliminates cash bail among other controversial measures, and the Protect Illinois Communities Act, which regulates semi-automatic weapons and firearm accessories.
“There are 26 members of the County Board, so it’s really confusing as to why Mr. Prenzler would choose the one County Board Member who has been least supportive of law enforcement to serve on this commission,” board member Stacey Pace (R-Troy) previously stated. “He should be appointing someone who reflects the overall views of the county board, the law enforcement community and the citizens of this county. This appointment clearly falls short of that.”
When asked to respond to the concerns, Holliday said, “The only qualification to be on the SILEC Board is being a resident of Madison County. Anything else is irelavant (sic).”
Prenzler said during the board meeting that Holliday supports the Second Amendment and “has been a strong supporter of police.”
“I have differences with Mr. Holliday on other issues, but I don’t think that disqualifies him,” he said.
Board member Mike Babcock (R-Bethalto) also raised concerns about Holliday’s refusal to answer his questions during the Government Relations Committee meeting. He answered, “No comment,” to almost all of Babcock’s questions, only answering when he was asked if he had any law enforcement experience. He answered, “No.”
“If you want to be on a committee, you should be able to answer the questions,” Babcock said. “That concerns me.”
Board member and Chairman Pro Tem Mick Madison (R-Bethalto) said he prefers a candidate with more experience.
“I’m a big proponent of putting people who have experience on committees,” he said.
Madison County Sheriff Jeff Connor agreed that experience should be considered. He recommended board member Terry Eaker (R-Bethalto), who is chair of the Public Safety Committee and has worked as an auxiliary police officer for five years.
Holliday responded, “They say I have no qualifications … Like I said, there is no qualification except being a citizen of Madison County.”
Board member Bill Soutenborough (D-Alton) said Holliday went through a training program similar to what a police officer would experience.
Holliday explained that he attended a training session in Granite City to see how officers are prepared for different situations, including a school shooter and belligerent vehicle occupant. Holliday also claimed to be the best shooter during his visit.
“I chose to see what policemen deal with before they go and accost someone,” he said.
Holliday said SILEC is tasked with seeking “other ways that policing can be done” to minimize conflicts.
“I think coming from an underserved community, my voice should be heard,” he said.
Board member Alison Lamothe (D-Edwardsville) supported Holliday, saying his presence on the committee could help some community members feel less threatened by law enforcement.
Prenzler previously said the SILEC vacancy was created following the death of board member Bill Meyer (R-Hamel).
He said he sent an email to all county board members asking if anyone was interested in the position. Board members Holliday, Eaker and Paul Nicolusi (R-Collinsville) expressed interest.
Board member Ryan Kneedler (R-Collinsville) and attorney Don Weber are currently members of SILEC.
Other matters
Board members also addressed other recommended appointments during the two-hour meeting on Feb. 15.
The board selected Frank J. Dickerson (R-Hamel) to complete Meyer’s term. He was selected after receiving unanimous recommendation.
“I believe this is an excellent pick for this position,” Madison said, “and I believe that Bill Meyer would approve.”
Dickerson was appointed to the Building and Zoning Committee, Grants Committee, Judiciary Committee, and Personnel Committee.
The board rejected Prenzler’s recommendation to remove MESD Board member Charlotte Dixon and appoint Randall Presswood.
During discussion, board members said Dixon is doing well. They also raised concerns about a possible conflict of interest with Presswood, as his daughter currently works for MESD.
Prenzler raised concerns about the MESD Board receiving health insurance benefits when Madison County Board members do not receive the same perks. He said Presswood “made it clear that he would not take health insurance.”
“This is not personal,” Prenzler previously said in a press release. “This is about policy. It’s high time the compensation for MESD commissioners come into line with Madison County board members.”
Board members asked why that issue was being placed solely on Dixon and urged Prenzler to take the health insurance issue up with the director to be looked into and resolved if necessary.
The Board also voted to approve a $129,000 salary for Madison County Administrator Dave Tanzyus.
Several board members praised Tanzyus for his work, saying his raise is well-deserved.
After serving briefly as administrator of Madison County community development, Tanzyus was appointed county administrator in May 2021 with a $120,000 salary. He was previously given a $3,000 raise in November 2022.
He sought a $140,000 salary last month following a wage audit of similar positions in surrounding counties and municipalities within Madison County, which would have been a 16.7 percent pay raise. That amount was met with controversy and lowered to $129,000.