Toni Preckwinkle campaigned for county board president as a tax slasher but later pushed new and increased levies. Debate rages over whether she has imposed enough austerity on county government to justify a course correction on taxes.
John T. Slania
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
Illinois FOIA Appeals Linger With No End In Sight
Lengthy appeals process, non-binding decisions hamper ability to obtain records through Illinois Freedom of Information Act.
Posted inEquity & Economic Opportunity
‘The 606’: Blazing A Complex Urban Trail
Only a year old, the city promenade is energizing Chicago communities but longtime residents worry about being pushed out of their neighborhoods, according to a Rescuing Illinois report.
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
Cash Scramble! Illinois Towns Eye Home Rule
Fearing a loss of crucial state funds, municipalities are pushing lawmakers to expand local taxing powers and fees. Business and tax watchdogs say, “no way”, a BGA Rescuing Illinois report finds.
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
State’s Top Watchdogs: They Bark, Don’t Bite
A Rescuing Illinois report finds state Executive and Legislative Inspector Generals lack power, resources to crack down on corruption. So, is that the plan?
Posted inCriminal Justice & Public Safety
Anatomy Of An Illinois Criminal Justice Reform
Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle built a bipartisan coalition to reform the state’s “automatic transfers” statute and provide juveniles more rehabilitation opportunities.
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
Pothole? Abandoned Car? There’s an App For That…
Tech advances make it quicker, easier to connect with City Hall with concerns, complaints.
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
BGA Good Government Spotlight: Abner Mikva
Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient discusses governance, politics and getting Illinois’ “mojo” back.
Posted inInvestigations
“Who Sent You?”: How Mikva’s Legendary Journey Got Started
Abner Mikva’s foray into public service over 60 years ago has become part of Illinois folklore and the stuff of legends. The year was 1948 and Mikva, then 22, was […]
Posted inEducation
Chris Kennedy Passes U of I’s Toughest Test
When the University of Illinois was roiling from an admissions scandal that threatened to destroy the institution’s reputation and cherished academic standing, the governor asked Chris Kennedy to help save the university by joining its board of trustees.