Farrell confirmed as state's attorney

E-mail this story

Print this story

Share

DeKALB – John Farrell will begin today as the new state’s attorney for the county.

The DeKalb County Board approved the recommendation of Farrell in a 14-1 vote, with five members abstaining and three absent.

DeKalb County Board Chairwoman Ruth Anne Tobias recommended Farrell, the chief civil assistant for the state’s attorney’s office, to helm the post vacated by Ron Matekaitis after Matekaitis was sworn in last month as an associate judge for the state’s 16th Judicial Circuit Court.

Farrell, 58, said the appointment was “an incredible honor.”

“When I came to DeKalb County I never imagined that this day could be here, and it is here, and I am deeply honored and privileged,” he said after the board confirmed the appointment. “I promise over the next several months I will do everything I can to gain your confidence and trust.”

Sycamore-based lawyer Keith Foster held the office on an interim basis until the permanent replacement was confirmed.

Tobias was tasked with naming a permanent replacement from the same political party as Matekaitis, who is a Democrat. The DeKalb County Democratic Central Committee assisted with the search by interviewing six candidates who applied for the position.

The other finalist was Sarah Gallagher Chami, who grew up in the DeKalb area and now works for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office. She is the daughter of Associate Judge Jordan Gallagher, who is in the 16th Judicial Circuit Court.

The five board members who abstained were all Democrats. Anita Turner, D-Sycamore, cast the dissenting vote.

“My reason for abstaining is the candidate I supported, and who was supported by many Democrats, was not given the opportunity that I believe she should have had for her candidacy,” said Michael Haines, D-Kingston.

Both the county’s Democratic party and Matekaitis had recommended Farrell to Tobias.

Tobias told the Daily Chronicle last week that Farrell has been instrumental in negotiating an intergovernmental agreement with the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, which has proposed building a 24-hour gaming facility in Shabbona.

He also has an extensive background in criminal law.

Farrell said he plans to run for the office when it is up for election in 2010.