Just before his possible removal from office, the chairman of the Rock Island County board has retired. Wednesday afternoon, Phil Banaszek, notified the county clerk's office that he was retiring, effective immediately.
Banaszek was first elected to the county board in 1994, and became chairman in December of 2012.
His retirement came one day before a special meeting to vote on his removal - the agenda for tonight's special meeting has one item - to vote on the immediate removal of the county board chairman, following a resolution approved in August. A two-thirds majority would be needed for removal.
All this means vice chairman, Ken Maranda from Milan, will lead the Rock Island County Board until it officially promotes him, or someone else is chosen. A board spokesperson says members can discuss the chairman's job tonight, but cannot make a formal decision until next month's meeting.
