Due to the current turbulence concerning all legal activities going on in the village; it would be wise not to have this law firm doing the investigation. The law firm may be very good, however any relationship no matter how small that Mr Phelan had even in the fraternity may pose a conflict of interest. The pending investigation does not need additional fuel to the fire; currently, there is enough going on already.

Why did phelan not disclose this at beginning? Discussing confidential village issues with a buddy at a football game? He was 2 years behind so they didn't hang out? Yeah, right. Haven't talked to him since 1988? Sure.

There are a lot of threads familiar to parties woven into this investigation, on both sides. Great work so far, Lorraine!

Incidentally, the fact that G-K has a former Watergate prosecutor and ex-US attorney on its team was touted by the cabal behind the lawsuit. That smacks of an afternoon TV law commercial: you may call The Cannon, but you're not going to get him to personally service your case. Coincidentally, or not, a party known to Mr. Phelan is directly involved in the proceedings.

Yikes how stupid can you be? Originally the story sounded like Deetjen found G&K on his own. Now we find out that Phelan orchestrated the contact with G&K and we ended up with his former frat brother as the investigating attorney. This is a potential case that's partially based on alledged conflict of interest. And Phelan, an opponent of the mayor, was stupid enough to coordinate this hiring. Unbelievable.

And Larry Deetjen couldn't find alaw firm with no ties to Oak Lawn or the trustees in the city of Chicago? Come on.

If the trustees opposed to Heilmann think they have a strong enough case against the old law firm and potentially the mayor, why don't they use a neutral law firm for the investigation?

By the way frat brothers generally live in the same house while they're in school. They attend the same parties thrown by the frat. They do service activities together if the frat supports service projects. Most importantly they are bound by a brotherhood. Wilson and Phelan were together in the frat for a part of their college years. So Phelan imo is being less than candid about his relationship with Wilson.

In short this just adds fuel to the fire that some trustees are after Heilmann imo.

Phi Kappa Psi Mission:' The Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity is an association of men of integrity who strive to develop the individual in his intellect, in his involvement in the community, and in his faith. Recognizing and valuing the diversity of all, the Fraternity unites the principals and traditions of our past with the resources and creativity of our present to provide an environment in which our members can realize their highest potential. To this end, we offer a lifelong experience, guided by our faith in a power greater than ourselves, in contributing to the betterment of both the individual and the community'. I too have an affiliation with my college fraternity brothers, and as an alumnus have long lasting bonds with my brothers, both in pledge classes before me and after me. it has served me many a times to be able to net work with these men and their professional affiliations. So in this particular circumstance of having an affiliation with a fraternity brother; I would advise against it, any thing that might be even remotely construed as a conflict of interest needs to be avoided, there has been enough wild speculations already made in this situation.

maybe tommy boy should be looked at

Phelan quotes:

Regarging Mike Stillman current village attorney, former president of District 218
And the force behind Phelan's spouse illegal hiring in District
218 .... "I don't socialize with him".

Regarding current attorney Eric Wilson ... "“I knew him two or three years altogether. I don’t want to say that we socialized together,” Phelan said, adding that because he was two years older,
he and Wilson hung out with different crowds... See Phi Psi
Yearbook and their are photo's of them drinking together.

Regarding his spouse and the hiring.... "She only makes what
$8
an hour"

Regarding his Uncle.... "He is well qualified for the position".
He showed up to work with a toolbox not knowing he was a supervisor
Making $68,000 a year.

Regarding other "friends of Tom":

$95,000 HR Director
$68,000 grant writer
$12,000 very part time Finance Director
$53,000 Admin
$3,000 father in law
$3500 friend

ALL are employed with the Village, but don't think for a
Second that they socialize.

Tom, and you socially deranged?

This is a riot. When did phelan tell Deetjen this guy was his frat brother? I bet he was at phelan's wedding. any takers? Where's Andy saying this is ok? It is bad enough these goofy politicians are wasting our money chasing ghosts, now we find out phelan's buddy is the attorney. What a pathetic joke.

Patronage has always been a part of the political process; and if we are honest, most of us have used connections to our advantage at one time or another. Is it right? Not really; but that debate is another topic. Once again the discussion has gone away from the original question "Do you feel this disclosure impedes an objective investigation into the former village attorneys?" This was a singular incident that was put to question, and we have gone off on several different topics. So in this particular circumstance of having an affiliation with a fraternity brother; I would advise against it, any thing that might be even remotely construed as a conflict of interest needs to be avoided, there have been enough wild speculations already made in this situation.

This is not supposed to be a political process, it's supposed to be an investigation of what may be abuse of political process. As such, just to avoid any appearance of favoritism and/or subjectivity, this particular lawyer should be removed from the investigation.

I think this disclosure could very well impede an objective investigation of the former attorneys. At the very least it creates the appearance of a biased selection of counsel.

It also raises all sorts of questions. When did Deetjen find out about the relationship between Phelan and Eric Wilson? Did Deetjen select Godfrey & Kahn on Phelan's recommendation? I believe the board voted on the hiring of G&K. Were they informed of the connection between Phelan and Wilson before they voted? If not - why not? All in all it smacks of poor judgement and taints what should be an objective legal investigation. If the roles were reversed and this were an investigation of Deetjen or Phelan and the Mayor recommended a lawyer he was frat brothers with or knew in law school I can guarantee all of the anti-Heilmann people would be screaming bloody murder.

I think they need to get a new lead lawyer.

you people got it wrong the real problem is " Phelan explained that Wilson had been recommended to him by one of his pledge brothers at an Illinois-Northwestern football game last November.

The friend mentioned that Wilson might be available after Phelan shared the village’s problems with its legal fees. Phelan’s friend contacted Wilson on Phelan’s behalf." why was Phelan talking to anyone about Oak Lawn's problems .

I believe these facts were told in Executive session. Who leaked this to the press?? Probably Dave because these attorney's are making him nervous about the investigation of his law firm buddies shady billing practices. Typical Dave stuff, bait and switch,confuse the real story with this nonsense of what lawyer knows what trustee and why. Dave loves the smoke and mirrors approach when he feels the heat coming on him.I think the teflon is wearing off Dave and something might begin to stick...

If anything this informtion would make Heilmann more confident. It supports his contention that much of this is political. It also reflects extremely poor judgement on the part of Phelan, Deetjen and others.

Why doesn't the board hire another Attorney who is investiganother Phelan's frat brother friend who is invistigating attorney Odelsons findings against the current attorney. It goes on and on and on!