County highway engineer resigns, speaks with WTIP

Cook County’s Highway Engineer, David Betts, submitted his resignation this week stating he has accepted another job opportunity.

WTIP spoke with Betts Friday morning about his departure from the highway department.

According to Betts, he submitted his 30-day notice on Monday, July 3. On Thursday, July 6, Betts met with County Administrator Jeff Cadwell and Board Chair of the Cook County Commissioners Jan Sivertson to discuss ongoing projects and the future of the highway department. At the conclusion of that meeting, Betts was informed his last day with the county was on Thursday and he turned in his keys. According to Betts, he will be paid as the highway engineer through the end of July, though he is no longer working.

In a statement sent to WTIP, County Administrator Cadwell said: “We wish David all the best in his new endeavor and thank him for his seven years of service here in Cook County.”

Plans and recruitment to fill the Highway Engineer will begin soon. All planned infrastructure projects and road maintenance will continue as usual. WTIP sent a request to Cadwell asking for more information about ongoing projects the highway department is working on, namely the County Road 7 construction project.

Betts joined the Cook County Highway Department in 2010. In 2015 the county board voted to remove Betts from his post as the highway engineer, only to reverse its decision a week later after Betts threatened to take legal action.

In a discussion with Betts Friday morning, the former highway engineer for Cook County declined to comment to WTIP on where his new job is located or the exact position he is taking. Betts did say: “I am very proud of the work I did in Cook County and am proud the highway department is in better shape now than when I arrived.”