Illinois has long been known for sleaze and political corruption. Why? It is a culture no one has any desire to change. Here is an overview:
" What makes Illinois so corrupt? In the coming weeks and months, the Tribune will explore and attempt to explain why corruption continues to poison virtually every level of government in our state, draining off tax dollars and robbing public service of its meaning...,
" But numerous other factors contribute to Illinois' shameful record: Loosely regulated big-money campaigns. Domineering mayors letting shifty aldermen run amok. Cozy interactions between lobbyists and public officials. A ballot process power brokers often use to exclude newcomers. The largest number of governmental bodies in the nation, offering endless opportunities for graft amid little oversight."
" Four of its last 11 governors went to prison. Chicago, its largest city, is home to sweeping federal sting operations that put busloads of judges, aldermen, state lawmakers and other officials behind bars."
"Even the state auditor Illinois government's financial watchdog was once caught looting and squandering $2.5 million in public funds. One secretary of state famously amassed more than $750,000, including a shoebox stuffed with cash, that was found stashed in a hotel room after his death…"
" From 1976 through 2021, the Chicago metropolitan area saw more than 1,800 federal corruption convictions, the most in the nation.
But in Chicago, it comes down to two main factors: a deeply ingrained culture where the ruling attitude toward corrupt actions is "you didn't see nothin'," and an unwritten power-sharing agreement between the city's mayor and the council that has neutered the usual checks and balances on government actions at City Hall. "
" Carol Pope lasted only about two years as the Illinois General Assembly's inspector general before quitting in frustration.
When Pope, whose job was to investigate allegations of wrongdoing by legislators and their staffers, asked for more autonomy amid a burgeoning corruption scandal in the legislature, lawmakers instead passed a law limiting her powers."
https://www.chicagotribune.com/our-culture-of-corruption/
Also a 5 minute video primer on Illinois corruption:
" What makes Illinois so corrupt? In the coming weeks and months, the Tribune will explore and attempt to explain why corruption continues to poison virtually every level of government in our state, draining off tax dollars and robbing public service of its meaning...,
" But numerous other factors contribute to Illinois' shameful record: Loosely regulated big-money campaigns. Domineering mayors letting shifty aldermen run amok. Cozy interactions between lobbyists and public officials. A ballot process power brokers often use to exclude newcomers. The largest number of governmental bodies in the nation, offering endless opportunities for graft amid little oversight."
" Four of its last 11 governors went to prison. Chicago, its largest city, is home to sweeping federal sting operations that put busloads of judges, aldermen, state lawmakers and other officials behind bars."
"Even the state auditor Illinois government's financial watchdog was once caught looting and squandering $2.5 million in public funds. One secretary of state famously amassed more than $750,000, including a shoebox stuffed with cash, that was found stashed in a hotel room after his death…"
" From 1976 through 2021, the Chicago metropolitan area saw more than 1,800 federal corruption convictions, the most in the nation.
But in Chicago, it comes down to two main factors: a deeply ingrained culture where the ruling attitude toward corrupt actions is "you didn't see nothin'," and an unwritten power-sharing agreement between the city's mayor and the council that has neutered the usual checks and balances on government actions at City Hall. "
" Carol Pope lasted only about two years as the Illinois General Assembly's inspector general before quitting in frustration.
When Pope, whose job was to investigate allegations of wrongdoing by legislators and their staffers, asked for more autonomy amid a burgeoning corruption scandal in the legislature, lawmakers instead passed a law limiting her powers."
https://www.chicagotribune.com/our-culture-of-corruption/
Also a 5 minute video primer on Illinois corruption:
“If you’re going to have crime it should at least be organized crime”
-Havelock Vetinari
-Havelock Vetinari
