City Council Passes Watered-Down Ordinance Giving IG Oversight Of Aldermen
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Chicago City Council has approved a watered-down ordinance regarding oversight of aldermen by an inspector general, reports WBBM's Nancy Harty.
Backers of the weaker ordinance, which allows the inspector general to investigate aldermen and their offices but keeps off-limits much of their spending said don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good.
25th Ward Alderman Danny Solis says he changed his mind after arguing the council should not be treated differently than other city employees.
"We are different and the difference that makes us different is we get elected every four years," he said.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel calls the vote a significant step forward.
"It's not over, it's part of an evolution that constantly strives toward making government, now the City Council, more open, more accountable, " Emanuel said.
The current IG, Joe Ferguson, released a statement saying in part, "Instead of embracing oversight for itself consonant with that for the rest of City government and operations, it retreated."