Schools

D122 Board Member to Broderick: 'Resign or I'll Sue'

New Lenox school board member Maureen Broderick refused to resign, so Miller initiated the process for a civil suit in the ongoing election-related battle.

Board members from New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education continued to do battle Wednesday night, and this time Maureen Broderick was up to bat.

Broderick announced at the regular meeting that Kathy Miller had on Feb. 1 issued her an ultimatum—resign or face a lawsuit.

The controversy stems from a Jan. 11 hearing, objecting to Miller's nomination petition. The notary error on the petition was determined on Jan. 28 .

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Broderick was accused of orchestrating the objection to the petition in such a way that she could sit on the district's Election Board and vote in favor of invalidating Miller's petition.

Miller was unavailable for comment. She was absent from the regular board meeting.  

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The ultimatum was hand-delivered Feb. 1. Board President Nick DiSandro, on Miller's behalf, delivered the news to Broderick at the district office. DiSandro said he was simply serving in his role as president.

He said Broderick's resignation was discussed as a resolution immediately following Miller's appeal of the original decision to remove her from the ballot. Miller's attorney for the appeal brought up the matter, while still in the courthouse.      

What DiSandro described as a resolution, Broderick referred to as a "threat."

"There is no threat," DiSandro said. "I made no threat. If you're upset with anyone, look in the mirror."

On Feb. 19, the first step in the process of civil litigation was filed by Miller's attorney, Michael Foley, who filed a Freedom of Information Act request for all of Broderick's communications, including cell phone, email and any other devices that may have information relating to Miller's hearing.

Also issued FOIA requests was member Sue Smith, who also voted to invalidate Miller's petition, along with Nikki Sanders, who testified as the petition objector at the hearing.

Broderick highlighted portions of Miller's statement after her appeal was overturned. Vindicated by the judgment, Miller previously said: …"my goal is to see that this is the last time our resources are wasted in such a shameful manner," referring the $9,000-plus it cost the taxpayers to process the objection along with the personal expense she incurred in the appeal. 

"This waste is still ongoing and hasn't stopped," Broderick said.

She also called Supt. Michael Sass to task for an "attack" made public in a six-page letter read publicly five years ago. The attorney hired by Sass at the time to represent the district in actions aimed at Broderick is now representing Miller in her civil action against her.

Readers might like:

  • D122 Member Kathy Miller Pursues FOIA: Related Materials Per Ouster from Ballot
  • D122 Member Kathy Miller Kicked Off April Election Ballot

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