JUNE 1, 2011 — BGA/FOX Chicago News investigations reportedly hasten Chicago Park District Superintendent Tim Mitchell’s departure, which follows the forced exit of his chief of staff.
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Posted inNews, Results & Reforms
EARLY RETIREMENT
MAY 2011 — A series of investigations by the BGA and the Post-Tribune find that a high-ranking official with the Hobart (Ind.) Fire Department had quietly sold or traded municipal property—including a snowmobile, workout equipment and an old fire truck—to current and former members of the department, with little or no documentation. The official retires as police launch a
Posted inInvestigations, News
After BGA Inquiry, Cops Probe NW Indiana Fire Truck Swap
In Hobart, Ind., police are trying to see why a city-owned fire truck was apparently traded to a former firefighter for a batch of computers—and whether any laws were violated.
Posted inInvestigations, News
Working or Working it?
Was ex-Oak Brook village president putting in a full day’s work for a full day’s pay at his Illinois secretary of state job? State concludes probe, which was prompted by inquiries from the BGA.
Posted inNews, Results & Reforms
RAMPED-UP RENOVATIONS
MAY 20, 2011 — After the BGA and FOX Chicago News report that the Chicago Park District is dragging its feet repairing the Garfield Park Gymnasium, which serves at-risk youth on the West Side, the agency ramps up renovations.
Posted inInvestigations, News
Floored: Park District Slow to Repair Vital West Side Gymnasium
The Garfield Park Gymnasium, a ‘second home’ for West Side children, is out of commission for the summer. It has yet to be repaired since a flood almost a year ago.
Posted inInvestigations, News
Hobart’s Ex-Fire Chief—the Focus of a Police Investigation—Signals Intent to Retire
After the BGA and the Post-Tribune revealed McCorkle had sold city-owned equipment to his underlings for cash, the former fire chief signals his retirement.
Posted inNews, Results & Reforms
SUSPENSION, INTERNAL REVIEW
May 12, 2011 — A series of BGA/FOX Chicago News investigations report on mismanagement and questionable financial practices at the Chicago Park District. After one of the reports, the superintendent’s chief of staff is suspended over credit card use. The Park District Board retains a pair of law firms to conduct an audit and review of district spending and procedures.
Posted inGovernment Finance & Accountability
NW Indiana Fire Dept. Equipment Sold by Ex-Chief — Where’s The Cash?
Did Hobart, Ind., taxpayers get hosed when a high-ranking fire official sold city-owned equipment to his underlings for cash? The BGA and the Northwest Indiana Post-Tribune investigate.
Posted inNews
BGA Editorial: ‘Does Citizen Daley deserve a security detail?’
BGA CEO & President Andy Shaw writes this editorial in the Chicago Tribune.
