Kankakee Times

Colton Ekhoff, a member of the Kankakee County Board for District 2 and candidate for County Auditor, recently commemorated the one-year anniversary of his campaign to hold incumbent Auditor Jacob Lee accountable for his non-attendance at Finance Committee meetings. Ekhoff's statement highlighted the ongoing issue of Lee's lack of participation and perceived inefficiency, despite receiving nearly $500,000 in compensation and benefits over the past 1,408 days.

“Unfortunately, you can see the handwritten reply and refusal of the absent Auditor,” Ekhoff said. “It has now been 1,408 days since the absent Auditor has been accountable to you and you have paid him nearly $500,000, plus benefits, in his dual positions with no results.”

“This is just further proof that we need action, not absence from our Auditor! You can change all this by voting Colton Ekhoff for Kankakee County Auditor on March 19, 2024!!!”

Ekhoff underscored the lack of accountability and collaboration from Lee.

“One year ago today, my first action as Finance Committee Chairman was sending the letter you see below to the Auditor who had not attended a finance committee meeting since February 28, 2020,” Ekhoff said on Facebook. “I was hopeful and optimistic that with a change in leadership on the committee, the Auditor would begin participating and fulfilling the duties of the Office he swore an oath to.”

“In addition, I encouraged the Auditor to collaborate with elected and appointed officials in the spirit of teamwork and doing what is best for the county and our constituents.”

The Facebook post included a link to Ekhoff’s original letter dated Jan. 6, 2023. In it, he stressed transparency and collaboration within county government while urging Lee to attend Finance Committee meetings regularly. The letter reads: "The interaction between elected officials and relevant board committees is invaluable for our constituents and I commit to running a professional committee focused on substantive issues." He also asked Lee to "provide monthly reports to the committee" and expressed concern over "a lack of communication between your office and other offices as it relates to rejected claims."

Ekhoff, currently serving as a Kankakee County Board Member for District 2, outlined his vision for the auditor’s role. His campaign noted he aims to bring accountability and proactive engagement to the position, citing the absence of these qualities in the current scenario. District 2 encompasses the entirety of the City of Momence, with the exception of the west side of Elm to the Junior High. It also includes Sumner Township from 11000 East to 5000 East, spanning from County Line Road to 6000 North, according to his website.

The primary election, scheduled for March 19, will see Ekhoff competing against incumbent Auditor Jacob M. "Jake" Lee. This race will shape the future leadership of the Auditor’s office and offer voters a choice in the direction of Kankakee County. According to earlier news from Kankakee Times, Ekhoff has adopted the campaign slogan, "Action not absence," reflecting his commitment to bringing a proactive and accountable approach to the role.