Two Cook County judges are under scrutiny for allegedly claiming homestead exemptions on properties outside the county, raising questions about residency and ethical conduct. This investigation, conducted by Injustice Watch, delves into the details of these allegations, focusing on Judges E. Kenneth Wright Jr. and Shannon O’Malley, and examines the potential consequences of their actions. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the situation, shedding light on potential violations of Illinois law and the public trust.
Illinois law mandates that judges reside within the jurisdiction they serve and allows homeowners to claim homestead exemptions only on their primary residence. The investigation reveals discrepancies between the judges’ claimed residences and the locations where they receive homestead exemptions.
Judge E. Kenneth Wright Jr., a judge since 1994, claimed a homestead exemption on a Will County property since 1978. Furthermore, in 2018, he successfully applied for a second senior citizen exemption on the same property. This requires a sworn affidavit attesting that the Joliet property is his principal residence.
“I don’t have time right now,” Wright said. “We’ll call you when we’re ready.”
The combined exemptions reduced Wright’s property tax bill by approximately $1,400 last year. While Wright also owns properties in Cook County, he does not claim these exemptions on those properties. A neighbor near the Joliet home claims to see Wright maintaining the property on weekends.
Judge Shannon O’Malley also faces scrutiny for claiming a homestead exemption on an Aurora home co-owned with his wife. While O’Malley asserts he resides in Cook County since 2017, the homestead exemption remains active on the Aurora property. His attorney presented documents to prove his Cook County residency, including leases and utility bills.
O’Malley’s residency has been a point of contention throughout his career. In 2004, he ran for Cook County state’s attorney under the name Phillip Spiwak, only to legally change his name to Shannon O’Malley in 2012.
When contacted at the Aurora home, O’Malley’s wife answered and alluded to his presence, with O’Malley reportedly saying, “Don’t tell her I live here.”
Kent Redfield, a political science professor at the University of Illinois Springfield, emphasizes the importance of residency for elected officials: “The general principle behind all of this is that residency is an indication that candidates have a connection and commitment to the area that they’re elected from.” He adds that claiming tax breaks on a property outside the district calls into question the judge’s honesty.
While violations of residency requirements can have severe consequences, such as removal from the bench, sanctions are rare in Illinois. The Illinois State Board of Elections does not verify residency claims, relying on challenges from political opponents or citizens.
Instances of judges facing disciplinary action for residency violations are infrequent. In 2004, Judge Francis X. Golniewicz III was removed from the bench for falsely claiming residency in Chicago, and in 2016, Judge Beatriz Santiago was censured for similar deception.
This investigation raises important questions about accountability, ethical conduct, and the enforcement of residency requirements for judges in Illinois. While consequences for falsely claiming exemptions are relatively minor for the average citizen, the political ramifications can be substantial for elected officials.
The cases of Judges Wright and O’Malley highlight the need for increased oversight and stricter enforcement of residency requirements to maintain public trust in the judiciary. This detailed overview of the allegations, the legal context, and the potential consequences aims to provide readers with a clear understanding of this complex issue.
