Roger Agpawa

Roger A. Agpawa is an American mayor of Markham, Illinois.[1] He had served as fire chief in neighboring Country Club Hills, Illinois. Having been convicted in 1999 of a felony mail fraud in a federal health insurance case, he is one of the first convicted felons to have been elected mayor. Experts state that he would be ineligible to serve in the highest office in that city, despite being sworn in as mayor in October 2018. Agpawa, who is 58, who is fire chief in Country Club Hills, his story is depicted as a tale of redemption, “restorative justice” and second chances. He accepted responsibility for a crime 20 years earlier, had paid his debt to society and become a model citizen.

Roger A. Agpawa
Mayor of the City of Markham, Illinois
Assumed office
September 25, 2018

The remedy that allowed Agpawa to take office was a “Restoration of Rights of Citizenship” signed on Sept 14, 2018, by the State of Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner. Agpawa was sworn into office on September 25, 2018.

On September 28, 2018, a Cook County judge vacated his earlier order that had prevented Agpawa from serving as mayor. A representative for the Cook County state's attorney's office said Agpawa found a “legally sufficient” way to hold office. Nothing like this has ever happened before and Wednesday night the swearing-in ceremony was held for Agpawa and all were watching history. In addition to serving residents of Markham, Agpawa is poised to become a leading voice among south suburban municipal officials. He's well known to legislators, politicians and business leaders through his role as fire chief. [2][3]

References
  1. "City elects convicted felon as mayor, prompting threat from prosecutor". www.cbsnews.com.
  2. "Opinion - Daily Southtown". www.chicagotribune.com.
  3. Slowik, Ted (October 4, 2018). "After 18-month legal battle, convicted felon Roger Agpawa sworn in as Markham mayor". Daily Southtown.


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