This event received NATIONAL coverage on Breitbart.com http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2014/05/16/Exclusive-Citizens-Arrest-Park-District-Board-for-Breaking-Law

On Tuesday, around 30 citizens attended a meeting of the Clark County, IL Park District Board. Most wished to address the board over several recent controversies and allegations of corruption. In the face of this, the board said a public comment period wasn’t on the agenda and quickly moved to adjourn the meeting. Citizen John Kraft then informed the board that he was making a citizens’ arrest of the members as provided under Illinois state law.

Illinois law requires public bodies to allow citizens the right to make comments, whether or not the public comments are “on the agenda”. The relevant statute:

Specifically: (5 ILCS 120/2.06) (from Ch. 102, par. 42.06)

Sec. 2.06. Minutes;  right to speak.

(g) Any person shall be permitted an opportunity to address public officials under the rules established and recorded by the public body.

The failure of the board to allow the public a chance to address the board, even after being informed they were required to, means they have violated the open meetings act.   That particular violation does not qualify as an exemption listed as it pertains to being guilty of a class C Misdemeanor.  That means their actions constitute a Class C Misdemeanor.

Kirk Allen, with Edgar County WatchDogs, which neighbors Clark County, has more information on the relevant laws.

Click the link above to see the video – the Citizens Arrest starts around 2:47