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Lyons Mayor Appoints Ex-Con Father To Village Zoning Board

LYONS, Ill. (CBS) -- A former mayor of west suburban Lyons convicted of rigging construction bids is now on the village's Zoning Board and Plan Commission.

As WBBM Newsradio 780's Nancy Harty reports, Kenneth Getty was appointed by the current mayor, who is his son.

LISTEN: Newsradio 780's Nancy Harty reports

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Christopher Getty, 28, is now mayor of Lyons. His 70-year-old father was sentenced to 5 1/2 years in prison for steering construction projects to the son of the village architect, the Chicago Tribune reported.

Kenneth Getty was released from prison in 2004, and was quoted as saying he'd seek revenge on political foes, on whom he blamed the fact that federal prosecutors came after him, the Tribune reported.

Christopher Getty was elected to mayor in 2009, defeating his father's former rival, David Visk, the Tribune reported.

Now, Christopher Getty tells the newspaper there is no law forbidding a convicted felon from serving on the board, and thus, his father will serve.

The elderly Getty tells the Tribune his experience will be invaluable.

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