By Illinois Review
As Lyons Township Clerk Elyse Hoffenberg faces growing scrutiny over her after-hours kiss with Bridgeview Mayor Steven Landek, a neighboring Democratic Party leader is giving the Cook County Board candidate a prominent platform Tuesday night.
According to a Democratic event flyer, newly elected Lemont Township Democratic Committeeman Brendon Stark and the Lemont Democrats are hosting a “Meet & Greet” from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Pollyanna Brewing Company in Lemont.
The flyer prominently identifies Hoffenberg – the Democratic candidate for Cook County Board District 17 – as the event’s “Special Guest.”
That makes Stark’s views on the controversy surrounding Hoffenberg relevant to the voters he is inviting to meet her.
Does Stark believe Hoffenberg’s characterization of her encounter with Landek as merely a “peck” and a “lighthearted, friendly and non-romantic moment”?
Surveillance footage from Hoffenberg’s taxpayer-funded office shows Landek turning toward her after hours, placing both hands on her face and kissing her on the lips.
The video has since generated national and international media coverage. But the controversy has also raised broader questions about transparency and taxpayer-funded resources.
Would Stark support an independent review of relevant Lyons Township and Bridgeview expenditures involving Landek and Hoffenberg? Does he believe taxpayers deserve access to records showing whether any public money or government resources were used in connection with activities involving the two officials? And if there is nothing improper to find, why not open the books?
The questions for Stark also extend beyond Hoffenberg.
An attorney, Stark spent much of his career at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, including work in the Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence divisions. That background makes his views on another controversy engulfing Illinois Democrats especially relevant.
Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch continues to face scrutiny over his office’s handling of sexual harassment allegations involving former Democratic State Rep. Harry Benton.
Does Stark continue to support Welch as Speaker? Does he believe Welch and his office responded appropriately after learning of allegations involving Benton? And does Stark believe Democratic candidates and party leaders should demand accountability from their own party when serious allegations of misconduct arise?
These are legitimate questions for a Democratic Party leader who is now helping introduce Hoffenberg to voters as a featured guest.
Stark is not simply attending Tuesday night’s event. His name is at the top of the flyer, and his organization is presenting Hoffenberg to Lemont voters while she seeks election to the Cook County Board.
Voters attending the event deserve to know where both Hoffenberg and Stark stand.
A meet-and-greet should involve more than handshakes, photographs and campaign literature.
It should include answers.
