Blagojevich names new members to Gaming Board

Tuesday, July 5, 2005 | 9:21 a.m.

CHICAGO -- A former Cook County judge will join the Illinois Gaming Board and the daughter of the late U.S. Sen. Paul Simon, whom Gov. Rod Blagojevich originally wanted to sit on that board, will become a member of the Illinois Arts Council, the governor announced Friday.

Wilmette resident James E. Sullivan will join the Gaming Board, replacing Gary Peterlin who was not reappointed when his term ended Thursday. Sheila Simon of Carbondale, whom Blagojevich originally tapped for the Gaming Board slot that Sullivan will fill, will sit on the Arts Council.

Simon could not join the Gaming Board because she is a salaried member of the Carbondale City Council. Gaming Board members are prohibited from holding another paid public office to avoid any potential conflict of interest. Simon said she did not want to leave her council post, and lawmakers ignored Blagojevich's push to change the rules to allow her to join the board.

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