Perspective

Watchdogs make New Year’s resolutions too, so here’s how the BGA can shine a brighter light on government and hold public officials more accountable in 2013.

Jimmie Alford’s invaluable assistance helped the BGA re-establish prominence as a watchdog with scope and impact.

Jimmie Alford’s invaluable assistance helped the BGA re-establish prominence as a watchdog with scope and impact.

The Better Government Association teamed up with Chicago magazine to shine a light on how some prominent local politicians are spending campaign money. Bottom line: Campaign funds are treated like personal piggy banks, with spending remarkably similar to hogs at a trough.

The Better Government Association teamed up with Chicago magazine to shine a light on how some prominent local politicians are spending campaign money. Bottom line: Campaign funds are treated like personal piggy banks, with spending remarkably similar to hogs at a trough.

The Koschman was case never about former mayor Daley, or his nephew, R.J. Vanecko. It was always about a justice system that must be characterized by its first four letters — j-u-s-t — and by its fairness and impartiality.

The Koschman was case never about former mayor Daley, or his nephew, R.J. Vanecko. It was always about a justice system that must be characterized by its first four letters — j-u-s-t — and by its fairness and impartiality.

Charges announced against Daley nephew in 2004 death along Division Street; BGA awaits word about possible law enforcement misconduct.

Charges announced against Daley nephew in 2004 death along Division Street; BGA awaits word about possible law enforcement misconduct.

We’re drawing inspiration from Big Bird and “Sesame Street” to explain how Madigan and Cullerton, the legislative leaders who have presided over a deepening crisis and raised taxes without solving the state’s problems, get sent back to Springfield with even more power.