Watchdog Group Calls for Investigation Into Rochester Public Library

A watchdog group is calling for a formal investigation into ethics complaints made against Rochester Public Library officials after last November’s election. Americans for Prosperity-Illinois said the library board and staff members held meetings to discuss supporting a referendum to raise the library’s taxes. AFP-Illinois also said a video recorded on library property supported the referendum and was posted on the library’s Facebook page. A three-person ethics commission from the library board acknowledged the complaints were valid although no penalties were issued. The referendum failed 71 to 29 percent.