Gyata Kimmons Resigns As Flossmoor Trustee

FLOSMOOR, IL — Flossmoor Village Trustee Gyata Kimmons submitted a letter of resignation from the Flossmoor Village Board of Trustees on Oct. 21.

Kimmons’ resignation comes after the Chicago Ethics Board officially enacted a ban on elected officials lobbying the Chicago City Hall. Kimmons was elected to the Village Board of Trustees in April, 2019.

"I am disappointed to be leaving before my term is over. However, a newly enacted ordinance in the city of Chicago prohibits elected officials from any municipality in Illinois from also lobbying in the city of Chicago," Kimmons said. "A portion of my business deals with lobbying on behalf of clients in the city of Chicago, therefore, this ordinance forces a choice between my business and my service to our community."

While the initial prohibition on elected officials lobbying City Hall took effect in April, Kimmons was granted permission to continue his lobbying efforts while the Ethics Board considered a proposal from Mayor Lori Lightfoot that would allow elected officials outside of Chicago to continue lobbying the city.

"I am thankful to have been given the opportunity to be of service to Flossmoor and truly appreciate the community’s support. I will remain a participatory citizen and will continue to be an advocate on behalf of our neighbors," Kimmons said.

The Ethics Board did not move forward with Lightfoot’s proposal. As of Oct. 21, Kimmons was notified by the City of Chicago that he must immediately decide between lobbying the city professionally or holding public office.

"The Village Board of Trustees and I are extremely disappointed by Trustee Kimmons’ resignation, though we certainly do understand the circumstances that brought about his resignation," Mayor Paul Braun said. "Trustee Kimmons has done an excellent job as Trustee during his short period on the Village Board. We wish Trustee Kimmons and his family good health and best wishes for the future."

Kimmons’ vacancy will be filled by a mayoral appointment who will serve until the April 6 election. Details regarding the Mayor’s appointment have not been released yet.