As I approach my 70th birthday, the time is right for someone else to take over day-to-day management of the BGA.
Andy Shaw
Let’s Address Illinois’ Government Bloat
Cook County, where I live, has 530 governmental units, more than any other U.S. county. Sangamon has 118.
So Who’s The Bully?
BGA dismisses Madigan’s bullying accusations, vows to continue watchdog work.
Legislative Scholarships Ending but Lawmaker Abuse Lives On
Forty state lawmakers gave 120 scholarships to individuals living outside of their districts, based on a BGA review of legislative district maps and interviews with city and county election officials.
Salaries Rise at PBC While Image Falls
Public Building Commission – a public agency tasked with helping the city and county with construction – doles out big raises to employees, as other embarrassments surface.
Daley’s “Insecurity Detail” Doesn’t Add Up for Taxpayers
Ex-Mayor Richard M. Daley kept his police chauffeur-bodyguards after retiring last year – quite the expense for taxpayers, and quite the perk for him. Which raises a question: why isn’t Daley paying taxes on this “unearned income?”
Quite the Fare for Taxi Owner
Cab company gets fined by city for using salvaged vehicles on Chicago streets – then ends up with hundreds of thousands of dollars in government grant money.
Revisiting Rahm’s Lobbyist Pledge
Mayor Emanuel’s pledge not to accept campaign cash from lobbyists is adhered to — for the most part. BGA review prompts some questionable donations to be returned.
Local Government Has Obesity Problem
Public agencies need a crash diet, with unnecessary units of government eliminated and duplicative functions consolidated.
The Wild, Wild West
A Melrose Park cop sues the western suburb in federal court, claiming racial discrimination and accusing police brass of ignoring misconduct – including allegations of cops soliciting a prostitute, shooting a squad car and stealing a golf cart.