A recent determination by the Illinois Office of the Attorney General found that the Normal Town Council violated the Open Meetings Act (OMA). The incident occurred at a meeting on September 16, 2019, in which Mayor Chris Koos denied Marc Tiritilli the opportunity to speak during public comment. According to the determination letter from the Attorney General, “While addressing the Council, Mr. Tiritilli attempted to discuss an appointment to the local transit system board. The Mayor interrupted him twice and informed him each time that the matter was not an agenda matter, despite allowing other members of the public to freely discuss matters not on the agenda without interruption.”
Tiritilli filed a request for review. In February, a determination was made by the Attorney General that the Normal Town Council “violated the OMA when it enforced its improper rule limiting public comment to agenda items to preclude Mr. Tiritilli from addressing comments to the Council.”
Tiritilli is running for mayor against Koos in the upcoming election on April 6. Tiritilli says he is pleased with the ruling, and that it highlights one of the main objectives of his campaign, which is to provide better representation for the citizens of Normal. Tiritilli also said, “Time and again, this council has stood against the ability of residents to speak up and be heard. This ruling proves that Mayor Koos violated the law. It is a victory for the community.”
There are two additional requests for review pending before the Attorney General against the mayor and council. Tiritilli is not involved in those complaints.
