DEC. 12, 2011 — Prompted by revelations from the BGA that two high-ranking Melrose Park village officials had side businesses that did work with Melrose Park’s municipal government, the village board adopts an “ethics ordinance” barring such practices.
Archives
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
On Personal Time or the Taxpayers’ Dime?
The BGA and FOX Chicago News follow a tip that leads to the Cook County Building, where Proviso Township employees appear to be doing “opposition research” for their boss, District 209 Board President Emanuel “Chris” Welch.
Posted inAnalysis, Perspective, Policy
Blagojevich Saga Ends: 14-Year Prison Sentence
Will ex-Gov’s long jail term have a chilling effect on corruption in Illinois? How are people responding? The BGA is tracking and cataloging tweets, quotes and Facebook comments.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Village Official Draws Salary of More Than $500,000
Michael Castaldo Jr. serves as Bellwood’s village attorney, works for several other public agencies and stands to get a taxpayer-funded pension some day.
Posted inFollow-Up, Legal, Results & Reforms
MAYWOOD OFFICIALS GIVE UP POLICE CHAUFFEURS
SEPT. 28, 2011 — Maywood officials say they’ll stop accepting police chauffeurs after a BGA and FOX Chicago News investigation finds that the mayor and a village trustee are getting rides and protection from police at a time violence is spiraling out of control on the streets and the police department is short-staffed.
Posted inLegal
BGA Sues Chicago Police Dept. for Data on Plainclothes Officers
In seeking documents concerning the deployment of tactical units, the Better Government Association continues its fight for government transparency and accountability.
Posted inAnalysis, Policy
Wrongful Conviction Questions Linger Despite Legal Settlement
Wrongful Conviction Questions Linger Despite Legal Settlement
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Illinois State Police Settles Wrongful Conviction Lawsuit
Man once on death row for Downstate murders to get $2.5 million in rare case against state cops.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Some DuPage Board Members Have Spotty Attendance
DuPage County Board members get a decent salary, benefits, and are eligible for a pension if they put in eight years and at least 1,000 hours of service—but are the taxpayers getting their money’s worth?
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Bellwood Village Worker Makes Big Bucks To Do…What?
Sleeping municipal employee with six-figure salary provides “security” outside Mayor Frank Pasquale’s home, claims he’s doing it on his own time.