More than a year and a half after he won election — the mayor of Markham was finally sworn in Tuesday. A previous felony conviction prevented him from taking office, so last week Gov. Bruce Rauner stepped in.
Roger Agpawa arrived for his swearing in 17 months after winning the election. A 1999 felony conviction for mail fraud in a medical insurance case barred him from taking municipal office. The state appellate court ruled against him earlier this year.
But Rauner on Friday sent Agpawa a letter, restoring his rights, which Agpawa said allows him to take office.
An overflowing crowd cheered Agpawa's swearing in Tuesday at the Markham City Hall.
Agpawa, who is a lifelong Markham resident, is also the fire chief of country club hills.
Because of the appeal, he did not take reporters' questions after the swearing in ceremony.
