Dan Joyce of rural Watseka was sworn-in Tuesday as the newest member of the Iroquois County Board. He represents District 4, having replaced Susan Wynn Bence who resigned to take a job with the Illinois Lt. Governor.

Joyce is a smal business owner, raises horses and cattle.  He says he looks forward to being a voice for district four.

The appointment has stirred some criticism.  Twice, Joyce lost election bids for the County Board.  The criticism comes from a few citizens and board member Larry Hasbargen of Watseka, who says voter approval should be recognized in making appointments.

"He's run and been rejected by voters twice before.  Now, they send him to us to appoint him to a position voters have said no to," Hasbargen told the board during public comment.  "This a slap in the face to voters that the board has no regard for their choices."

Hasbargen took issue with Joyce even pursuing an appointed-seat when  the voters rejected him.

GOP Chairman Shane Cultra defended Joyce's appointnment, saying Joyce had the support of precinct committeemen.  Cultra also took the blame for not letting candidates know about the perameters in place for consideration, the most important being the person had voted in three of the last primaries on the Republican ticket.

Joyce's appointment was approved by the board 12-4 with one member abstaining. 

94.1 WGFA