Skip to main content

Sandy Bergo

Special Investigator

Sandy Bergo is a special contributor for the Better Government Association.

Articles:

Investigation

Lawmakers in Hot Water With Feds Get Campaign Cash That Helps Pay Defense Lawyers

In one of his last acts, now-retired Illinois Senate President John Cullerton OK’d sending nearly $100,000 to two state senators under federal investigation.
May 22, 2020 5:30 AM
Investigation

Millions in Tax Breaks for Ed Burke’s Law Clients Fronted by Fellow Aldermen

Ald. Patrick Daley Thompson and former Ald. Michael R. Zalewski sponsored six resolutions that benefited clients of Burke's law firm. The moves allowed the now-indicted alderman to skirt city conflict-of-interest rules.
Sep 13, 2019 5:30 AM
Investigation

Ald. Ed Burke's Wave of Ward Projects Boosted His Legal Practice, Powered His Re-election

Burke touted development deals for his 14th Ward in winning a February re-election despite the cloud of federal corruption charges. A BGA investigation found Burke’s law firm had financial ties to most of those deals.
Apr 26, 2019 6:00 AM
Investigation

Taxpayers Covered Millions in Gym Costs Jesse White Promised to Pay

Illinois’ Secretary of State said he would raise most of the funds needed to build a new Chicago home for his Tumblers gymnastics team. He didn’t, but taxpayers did.
Jan 11, 2019 11:30 AM
Investigation

A Manafort Lender’s Emanuel Ties

Chicago’s mayor spent millions in city taxpayer funds to aid expansion of the same West Loop bank prosecutors now say made $16 million in questionable loans to a former Trump campaign chairman now on trial for alleged tax and bank fraud.
Aug 3, 2018 5:30 AM