Dear Docent, Education Guides, Exhibit Hosts, and Guest Services Volunteers,
I am sharing an article published today on the Chicago Tribune website by Blair Kamin about my appointment to the Commission of Chicago Landmarks. The article addresses the recusals I will take if I have a close business relationship with an individual who has a project on which the commission must vote.
Below is a statement shared with Blair Kamin and drafted with the help of the Mayor’s communications team and Deputy Mayor Samir Mayekar all of whom have shown confidence in the valuable perspective I will bring to the commission’s work. The statement briefly describes both the recusals and how my experience at the CAC will contribute to the commission.
“I believe the fact that I lead a nonprofit focused not on narrow advocacy but on broad audience education represents my independent, impartial position in the architecture community. My experience at the CAC, an organization funded largely through tours provided by volunteer docents, will be a benefit to the commission. I know that I, like anyone in a public role, will need to make difficult decisions. As a long-time advocate for the City of Chicago, I will be diligent in conducting my duties on the landmarks commission in a manner that is fair and puts the best interest of the city and its residents first. I will recuse myself from any application where there may be an appearance of a conflict of interest with my work at the CAC or where the CAC takes a position that prevents me from rendering a fair decision.” — Lynn J. Osmond, President and CEO of the Chicago Architecture Center
I am so very proud to have been nominated by Mayor Lori Lightfoot to serve on the Commission of Chicago Landmarks and am eager to begin that work on behalf of all Chicagoans.
Regards,
Lynn