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Published in the Daily Herald on July 5, 2026
Whatever the result of clerk's pay-raise case, DuPage board failed a transparency test
DuPage County Board member Jim Zay has avalid point when he questions the motives behind acounty clerk's complaint challenging pay raises the board voted itself and other county officers last April.
Clerk Jean Kaczmarek has been at odds with the board for years, mostly on the losing end, over her refusal to attend board meetings and abide by policies on contract bidding and budgeting. And, she lost her bid for reelection in April toaboard-supported challenger.
So, it's easy to understand Zay's reaction to the complaint that writer Alicia Fabbre reported in the Daily Herald last week.
"You want to talk about hypocrisy. Now, all of asudden, shecan showupatacounty board meeting and speak out," he said. "Sounds like alot of sourgrapes to me."
Maybe so. But sour grapes or not, Kaczmarek has a point of her own, and it's one the County Board should take more to heart.
The crux of the clerk's complaint is that the County Board fell two days shy of the six days' notice Kaczmarek argues is required by state law when planning to consider compensation packages totaling more than $150,000ayear for employees participating in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund. The board posted notice on April 24 of its plan to consider the proposed pay raises on April 28.
Furthermore, Kaczmarek complains that the County Board chair's annual pay, which was posted to raise from $136,959 to $154,390, was abruptly pushed to $185,000 just before the final vote.
"If the Open Meetings Act's requirement for agendas to set forth the general subject matter of any resolution or ordinance is so broad that the County Board can post one set of specific salary figures in advance and then dramatically amend those salaries on the board floor without notice, then the public derives no benefit whatsoever from the originally posted ordinance or text," she wrote.
It's important to remember that neither the raises nor the amount of them are at issue here. Allowing the public to see and consider them, though, is.
Is a dalliance of two days so egregious that officials ought not qualify for raises at all? It seems harsh to think so, but that would be the result if the court sides with Kaczmarek since the law also requires that raises must be approved 180 days before they take effect and barely 150 days remain until the new term begins on Dec. 1.
Yet, the public interest must remain the highest priority, and transparency has been a consistent objective of the DuPage County Board. It cannot exactly be said that the board has been secretive about the need for raises; members first started talking about them at least two years ago. But when the public learns just four days ahead of time that proposed salary hikes are actually on the table, and asubstantial increase is madeonthe day of the vote, that suggests something other than transparency was on officials' minds.
A representative of the DuPage County state's attorney's office questioned the legal merits of Kaczmarek's complaint, saying the Open Meetings statute applies only to employees, not elected officials. The clerk countered that the Illinois Pension Code, in part, includes elected officials in its definition of "employee." So, the ultimate outcome of the case may rise or fall on avariety of technicalities.
Kaczmarek has been no paragon of virtue in protecting the public's interest where transparency is concerned. She has flouted rules designed to protect taxpayer costs of public projects and refused to abide by strictaccounting procedures related to her office'sspending.
But in this case, whatever her motives, she has raised an issue that deserves public attention and that board members should have taken more seriously.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 7, 2026 Media Contact Information: Aunt Millie's Bakeries Melissa Koeneman, director of marketing (260) 417-2581 mkoeneman@auntmillies.com
John F. Popp, President of Aunt Millie’s Bakeries
FORT WAYNE, Indiana — Aunt Millie’s Bakeries is deeply saddened to announce the passing of its President John F. Popp, who died on Friday, July 31, at the age of 94. A third-generation member of the family business, John’s leadership, optimism, faith, and unwavering commitment to people helped shape the company and its culture for more than four decades. John Franke Popp was born March 2, 1932, to Lucile and Les Sr. Popp. He grew up with his older brother, Les Jr., on Forest Park Boulevard in Fort Wayne and graduated from Northside High School in 1950. He went on to attend the University of Michigan, graduating in 1954, and entered the U.S. Army that same year. He served as a second lieutenant before returning home following his military service. John was offered an opportunity to begin a career as an analyst with T. Rowe Price, but his path ultimately led him back to Fort Wayne and the family bakery. At his mother’s urging, he returned home to join the business — a decision that would shape not only his own life, but the future of generations of the Popp family and Aunt Millie’s employees. Long before his career in baking, John developed a love for Lake Wawasee and water skiing, eventually becoming the Indiana state slalom water ski champion. It was at the lake that he met Esther Rolene, the love of his life. They married on June 19, 1960, and spent the next decades building a life together, raising two sons and creating countless memories with family and friends. Even with the demands of running a growing company, John made time for what mattered most, including cheering his sons on from the sidelines at their baseball and football games.
John F. Popp and his wife, Esther Rolene Popp
In 1967, John stepped away from the family bakery to pursue a career in real estate, where he developed the subdivisions of Devil’s Hollow, Manitou, Lakewood, West Hamilton Estates, White Loon, and Winding Brook. In 1980, he returned to Perfection Bakeries, where he helped guide the company through a period of significant growth and expansion. The company that would become known as Aunt Millie’s grew under his leadership into one of the largest family-owned baking companies in the United States. John viewed the people around him as an important part of that success. He loved being part of the team and was known for his optimism, encouragement, and genuine care for employees. His leadership was not simply about growing a business; it was about building an organization where people could grow, contribute, and feel that they were part of something bigger than themselves. A third-generation leader of the family-owned bakery founded in 1901, John was deeply committed to protecting and building upon the legacy established by his grandfather, John B. Franke. His influence also reached beyond Aunt Millie’s. He was a passionate advocate for independent bakeries across the country, working with industry organizations to strengthen and protect family-owned businesses. He believed in the importance of education and workforce development and encouraged lifelong learning within the company while supporting the next generation of leaders in the baking industry. In recognition of his contributions to the baking industry, John was inducted into the Baking Hall of Fame by the American Society of Bakers and Engineers in 2021. He also served the state of Indiana after being appointed by Governor Mike Pence to serve on the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. While John’s professional accomplishments were many, those closest to him knew that his faith and family were at the center of his life. He cherished Bible Study Fellowship and worshiped at The Chapel and Wawasee Lakeside Chapel. He was quietly generous and found joy in serving others through organizations including the Euell Wilson Center, Women’s Care Center, and Ratio Christi. John enjoyed spring breaks in Florida, trips to Maine, his ’61 Corvette, and working on projects at the lake. He appreciated the simple pleasures of life, but most of all, he loved his family. His greatest legacy will not be measured solely by the company he helped build, but by the family he loved, the people he encouraged, the lives he touched, and the values he carried with him throughout his life. “John Popp believed that success was built on people,” said Rick Brown, Chief Customer Officer. “He cared deeply about our employees, our customers, our communities, and the generations of families who have made Aunt Millie’s a trusted name. His leadership was defined by humility, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to doing what was right.” John’s passing leaves a tremendous loss for the Popp family, the Aunt Millie’s family, and the many people and organizations whose lives he touched. While the company mourns his loss, Aunt Millie’s leadership team remains committed to carrying forward the mission, values, and legacy John championed throughout his life. Daily operations will continue uninterrupted as the company moves forward under its established leadership plan. The Popp family extends its heartfelt appreciation for the many expressions of sympathy and support received during this difficult time. Memorial service information will be shared at a later date. About Aunt Millie’s Bakeries Founded in 1901 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Aunt Millie’s Bakeries is one of the largest family-owned bakeries in the Midwest, serving customers across six states with fresh bread, buns, rolls, bagels, and other baked goods. For more than a century, the company has remained committed to quality, innovation, and serving the communities it calls home.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 21, 2026 Media Contact Information: Michael Korman, highway commissioner North Township Road District (847) 728-7055 mike.korman@northfieldtownship.com
Northfield Township Road District’s Phase II project placed in Group 1, the top tier, of MWRD’s 2026 Stormwater Partnership Program; construction could begin as early as 2027
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