Toothless Watchdog Won’t Scare Anyone
Archives
Posted inPress Release
BGA’s Emily Miller: Toothless Watchdog Won’t Scare Anyone
Mayor Emanuel v. IG Joe Ferguson — Better Government Association policy guru, Emily Miller, says the mayor could be undermining his pledge to make his administration more open, honest and accountable.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Cook County Doc Gets Big Payout for No Work
County hospital pays doctor $80,000 while he’s on unpaid leave—now officials want to know whether this was an isolated mistake, or something worse.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Missing Green in Country Club Hills?
Newly elected City Treasurer Rhonda Williams says municipal finances are in disarray in Country Club Hills—with approximately $8 million unaccounted for, she suggests “fraud.”
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, Newsroom
Illinois Human Rights Commission: Top Pay, Benefits for Part-Timers
This is the first in a series of investigations exploring taxpayer-supported and government-sanctioned boards and commissions. It is another component of the BGA’s Rescuing Illinois Project, an ongoing series of in-depth reports about improving and reforming state government.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, Newsroom
Special Investigation: Why Townships Don’t Add Up
Spawned during the late 1800s, township governments in suburban Cook County continue to operate at the taxpayers’ expense despite growing evidence that many have outlived their basic usefulness to the public.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, Newsroom
Top Illinois Lawmakers Step Up Streamlining Bid
There must be a way that makes it easier to get rid of townships, say some key legislators. The BGA agrees.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation
Is This Township Official Living on Easy Street?
Thornton Township Supervisor Frank Zuccarelli draws dual public salaries, enjoys generous benefits and stands to collect two pensions.
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, Newsroom
Dead End Paying A Big Tab For A Few Highway Miles
The price for maintaining a smattering of roads in unincorporated suburban Cook County is sky-high, when compared to other nearby counties. Critics ask: “Why is this allowed?”
Posted inFollow-Up, Investigation, Newsroom
Money In The Bank: Piling Up A Mountain Of (Taxpayer) Moola
The majority of the 20 suburban Cook County townships hoard large amounts of cash that’s in excess of the “rainy day” fund that municipal finance experts recommend. Some townships have enough cash to cover a full year’s expenses without going to taxpayers.