Local Teamster official steps down

By Bob Okon, the Herald, Joliet

JOLIET — The new president of Teamsters Local 179 has stepped down amid a union investigation into the organization’s finances.

Jim Kenney resigned on Feb. 3 as president of Joliet-based Local 179.

Kenney, 36, of Channahon was elected president in September and took office on Jan. 1. He replaced Tom White, who did not run for re-election.

Teamsters officials would not detail what happened.

But they said an investigation into financial improprieties led to Kenney’s resignation.

The situation has been resolved, said Bret Caldwell, a spokesman at the International Brotherhood of Teamsters office in Washington, D.C.

“The steps to protect members money were triggered, and action was taken,” Caldwell said Wednesday. “This is not some ongoing, long-term problem.”

Caldwell confirmed that there was an investigation into financial improprieties that led to Kenney’s departure. But, he said, “There’s nothing dramatic that occurred there. Everything will be reported to the appropriate authorities.”

Local 179 originally investigated the matter, Caldwell said. The international organization was called in to do an audit and determined that the matter had been handled appropriately, he said.

The new president of Joliet-based Local 179 is Rich Gierut, who had been vice president.

Gierut said he and other officers were moved up in position at a board meeting in the days after Kenney’s resignation.

Tom Flynn is now vice president. Gary Johnson remains as secretary treasurer. Greg Elsbree has moved up to recording secretary. Butch Harsh and Ken Floyd continue as trustees.

There is now one trustee vacancy on the local board.

“We’re looking to fill that vacancy,” Gieurt said.

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