Whitt, Stuart L.

Professional Experience:

Stuart L. Whitt has represented school districts and other taxing bodies throughout Illinois since 1977. He has significant experience in all areas of school and municipal law.

Mr. Whitt has been privileged to represent some of the fastest-growing school districts in the Midwest. Since 1977, he has been called upon to acquire elementary, middle and high school sites, often utilizing innovative and creative financial arrangements. When necessary, Mr. Whitt has acquired sites through eminent domain or condemnation proceedings. Mr. Whitt also has substantial experience in representing school districts in the annexation and development of school sites and the construction of school buildings.

Fast-growing school districts often experience unique and challenging situations requiring legislative action. Mr. Whitt has regularly represented the interests of these districts, as well as the Illinois Statewide School Management Alliance, before the Illinois General Assembly.

Mr. Whitt is one of few attorneys in Illinois with a strong background in matters involving the assessment of large, special purpose properties, including electric generating stations and oil refineries. He regularly provides advice, counsel and litigation services to the local governments serving communities which host Exelon's Braidwood, Byron, LaSalle, Dresden and Quad Cities nuclear power stations, as well as ExxonMobil's Joliet refinery and Marathon's Robinson refinery.

Mr. Whitt represents the Fair Assessment Information Resource Committee (FAIRCOM) which is a trust of local governments dedicated to the maintenance of fair and equitable assessments and taxation of electric generating stations throughout Illinois. In the Fall 1997, the Illinois General Assembly enacted legislation providing for the deregulation of the electric utility industry within the State. Under Mr. Whitt's leadership, FAIRCOM was successful in securing passage of Public Act 90-562 which assured continued financial stability for local taxing bodies and provided for the appointment of the State's Electric Utility Property Assessment Task Force of which Mr. Whitt was a member.