Cook County a "Dark Pool of Political Corruption"

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Cook County has been a "dark pool of political corruption" for more than a century, a new study by the University of Illinois at Chicago says.

Nearly 150 employees, politicians and contractors in the nation's second-largest county have been convicted on corruption charges since 1957, according to a report released Thursday by the university and the Better Government Association.

The 33-page study gives a history of corruption, starting from 1869 when county commissioners were jailed for rigging a bid to paint City Hall. It also details hiring scandals, including some under Cook County Board President Todd Stroger. Stroger hasn't been charged with any crime.

In the last 36 years, 31 sitting or former Chicago alderman have been convicted of corruption or other crimes. The last was Ike Carothers (29th), who earlier this month plead guilty to charges he accepted gifts in exchange for his votes on zoning issues.

The study says reforms could turn things around, including stricter campaign finance laws and amending a county ethics ordinance.

http://www.uic.edu/depts/pols/ChicagoPolit...portNumber3.pdf

http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/politics/il...n-84736672.html

[scandal 951]

Thank goodness I don't live in Cook county, then! Phew! (I live in suburban DuPage county).

BTW: Todd Stroger won't be Cook County Board President next year. He lost the Democratic primary race a few weeks ago, meaning in November voters will elect a new President who will take office in 2011, ousting Todd. Good riddance.

[natty bumppo 297]

this is news?

there is a reason i didn't live in cook county for very long ....

[Ali G. 37]

This has to be some sort of mistake, it cannot possibly be the case in Chicago.

I am sure these sort of scandalous things happen all the time in cities like Melbourne or Vancouver.

Edited February 19, 2010 by Booyah