Aldermen Expected To Take Up Issue Of City Council IG Early Next Year
(CBS) -- Chicago aldermen expect to settle their debate over what kind of watchdog should watch over them early next year, reports WBBM Political Editor Craig Dellimore.
The last legislative inspector general, Faisal Khan, had little power and was unpopular. The process has started to hire a new council IG, but 43rd Ward Alderman Michele Smith says why not let aldermen vote on measure that would let city Inspector General Joe Ferguson handle the job.
"Why are we going through a search process if there is majority support for merging the offices?"
Smith said. "Why not act in an expeditious manner and have a vote before Christmas?"
40th Ward Alderman Patrick O'Connor, Mayor Rahm Emanuel's floor leader, says the process must continue by law and the City Council should vote in January.
"We will give the committee and those who support the LIG an opportunity to hear that individual and that person's thought process and at that point in time, we'll have the ability to compare and contrast and come to a conclusion," O'Connor said.