Normal threatens council member with legal action for meddling in police probe

NORMAL (25News Now) - Normal Town Council member Stan Nord said he was simply a messenger for his constituents, while the town government’s attorney says Nord is meddling in a police investigation about alleged electioneering in the Unit 5 School District tax referendum.

25News has obtained a copy of Town Attorney Brian Day’s March 15 letter to Nord. In the letter, Day said Nord’s actions are “an inappropriate use of your office and may cross legal lines.”

Nord is opposed to Unit 5′s referendum.

Day said Nord sent a series of emails to Police Chief Steve Petrilli, asking Petrilli to open the electioneering investigation to the public, and inquiring what could be done to expedite the investigation.

“The chief repeatedly told you that the department would not be publishing details on a pending investigation,” said Day.

“You, rather predictably, responded by accusing the town and various staff of improper political motives. This letter is a response to that nonsense,” Day said in the letter.

“To be clear, the police department will proceed as they determine is proper without giving credence to anybody’s political agenda,” said Day.

“If your efforts to meddle in that process persist, then the town will take any and all appropriate legal action,” Day said.

For his part, Nord told 25News he was simply advocating on behalf of his constituents by forwarding their emails to the police chief about electioneering allegations.

“Everyone should have the right to ask questions to law enforcement, and they deserve to get open, honest and transparent answers regardless of the circumstances or their political leanings,” Nord said.

Nord expressed his frustration at Monday night’s town council meeting.

“I have reached out and shared your questions with the police chief,” said Nord.

“I cannot help you any further. If I continue to get involved in this, I’m looking at a lawsuit from the town,” Nord said.

Nord is running for a second term as council member in the April 4 election.

Copyright 2023 WEEK. All rights reserved.