Stroger closer to firing county public defender

APPELLATE COURT | Clears way for May 20 hearing

Cook County Board President Todd Stroger will move to fire Public Defender Ed Burnette in just 11 days.

Late Thursday, the Appellate Court of Illinois reversed a lower-court decision that blocked Stroger from conducting a termination hearing for Burnette.

With that now lifted, Stroger's attorney said they'll set that hearing for May 20.

It will be before the full County Board, but it ultimately is up to Stroger whether to fire Burnette.

Burnette, who says he has been saddled with patronage hires by Stroger, complained that Stroger wasn't following proper procedures for a hearing.

But the court said a hearing must take place before Burnette can say it is unfair.

"If they do something wrong, you go to court then," said Stroger attorney Burt Odelson.

Burnette's attorney, Paul Mollica, said they're preparing to "contest this anywhere we need to."

The court's unanimous decision came less than 24 hours after Burnette's attorneys filed their pleadings with the court.

Stroger says Burnette -- who was appointed to a six-year term in 2003 by Stroger's father, former County Board President John Stroger -- has failed to perform his duties on a half-dozen items.

Burnette filed a lawsuit against Stroger last year, attempting to stop the County Board chief from forcing Burnette and other employees to take unpaid days off to help balance the county budget.