A Waukegan Alderman is under fire for allegedly trying to rescind permits and remove organizers of the Viva la Independencia Parade through what the group said was an abuse of power.
Juntoz NFP Board Secretary Elizabeth Marrero and Juntoz NFP Board President Jesus Uribe turned in a formal letter to Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham claiming 4th Ward Alderman Victor Felix has been trying to have their parade permits revoked.
Marrero read the letter detailing Felix’s perceived actions at the Waukegan City Council on May 19, then handed a copy of the letter to Cunningham.
The letter’s subject, entitled “Formal Complaint and Request for Investigation-Alderman Misconduct, Abuse of Power, Bribery, and Ethical Violation,” claims they met with Felix at a Waukegan restaurant where the Alderman tried to pressure them to withdraw an approved special use permit they obtained for the parade.
That permit was approved Jan 14, Marrero said.
Marrero’s letter continues, “Felix stated the event had been “promised” to two other individuals and “warned us that if we do not withdraw, they will find “loopholes” to revoke the permit.”
Felix also warned the group that if they attempted to appeal his decision, the city council would vote against them, Marrero said.
“Felix stated that, by Juntoz withdrawing from coordinating the parade, would be the best possible scenario for the City of Waukegan to avoid any “drama” or “conflict”,” the letter continues. “This is not only deeply inappropriate, it reflects a blatant disregard for our city’s ethics code, and the principles of fair and impartial governance. No public official should use their position to intimidate or manipulate community groups or leverage influence for political gain.”
Cunningham promised to give the letter to the city’s corporation council during the city council meeting.
Felix responded to Marrero’s letter during the meeting, reaffirming his commitment “to the city of Waukegan and to the integrity of our event process.”
He added, “As an elected official, I will continue to respect and follow all city ordinances, policies, and procedures related to public events.”
Marrero’s letter continues that the group heard Felix has been questioning city staff about ways to undermine or find loopholes to revoke the permit.
The letter adds that Felix was actively looking for technicalities to remove the permit.
Marrero’s letter adds that undermining the permit already approved by the city “violates the Waukegan Code of Ethics, Standard of Fair and Impartial Governance and the public’s right to equal and unbiased treatment under city policy.”
The group is asking for a formal investigation into the alderman’s conduct, publicly disclosing the results of the investigation, and then immediately instituting appropriate corrective action and disciplinary or legal action.
“The people of Waukegan deserve elected officials who operate with integrity, not intimidation, transparency, not backroom manipulation and not accepting bribery from anyone in the community,” the letter continues. “I trust that you will give this matter the urgent attention and accountability it requires.”
Felix also stated during the city council meeting that he has been and remains a supporter of the parade.
“At no time have I attempted to go around these established protocols. If my actions were perceived as anything other than supportive, I want to sincerely apologize,” Felix said. “I’m here to work alongside our community partners, not against them.”