Better Government Association

Lawmaker's wife, son also do well on state's dime

May 3, 2007
BY CAROL MARIN, DAVE MCKINNEY AND CHRIS FUSCO Staff Reporters

A firm headed by the stepson of Illinois Senate President Emil Jones stands to be paid up to $45 million from a no-bid tech deal it recently won from the City Colleges of Chicago.

The contract, awarded three weeks ago, comes on top of $55 million that John Sterling's company, Synch-Solutions, already has been paid by the college system since 1999.

"The new contract was awarded based on past and current performance of Synch-Solutions in a bid-exempt process . . . under state law," City Colleges Chancellor Wayne Watson said in a written statement. But the hefty dollar amount awarded to Synch -- as well as the firm's ties to the powerful state Senate president -- is raising red flags with government watchdogs.

Jones in the past has controlled state grant money to City Colleges. In 2002, he steered at least $4.5 million to the colleges for computer upgrades at the same time his stepson's information technology firm was winning no-bid contracts from City Colleges trustees.

"It's amazing how well those who are related to the powerful do with government contracts," said Jay Stewart, executive director of the Better Government Association.

Jones vehemently denied ever helping his stepson get government work.

"John Sterling is a successful businessman who worked for major companies doing technology before starting [Synch-Solutions]," Jones said in a statement Wednesday. "I have never interfered in his business, and he has never sought my counsel or advice in reference to securing business."

$70,000 raise

The new three-year deal for the stepson's firm comes amid several recent disclosures about Jones' family and state jobs. Gov. Blagojevich's administration hired Jones' son Emil Jones III for a $57,360-a-year state commerce post April 3. His hiring came around the same time Sen. Jones emerged as a top advocate for a contentious new business tax pushed by the governor.

Also, the Senate president's wife, psychologist Lorrie Jones, has seen her state pay increase more than $70,000 under Blagojevich, who promoted her to state mental health chief.

Jones' stepson's firm was formed as a minority-business enterprise.

Sterling said that's because of his firm's track record, not its ties to Jones.

"I understand that my father is a public figure and fair game for public scrutiny," he wrote in response to an interview request. "I believe, however, that the 120 employees who work for Synch-Solutions -- and who provide for their families with hard-earned money for good, honest work -- do not deserve to have negative implications made about their company."

Contributing: NBC5 producers Katie Ernst and Don Moseley