Read Dick Simpson’s latest op-ed on how corruption cases like Ed Burke’s can spark ethics reforms

Posted on July 02, 2024
Check out Dick Simpson of Political Science latest op-ed recently published in the Chicago Sun-Times on the potential for ethics reforms in light of recent corruption cases like Ed Burke's.
 
"Now we can take the next step forward with the momentum of the Burke conviction. Two ethics ordinances are pending in the City Council and should be passed immediately. The first would ban lobbyists from giving any contribution to mayoral candidates or more than $1,500 to aldermanic candidates. It would allow the Board of Ethics to enforce these prohibitions. It should be passed and gradually extended to city contractors and lobbyists contributing to any candidate for city office. The second proposed ordinance would allow public funding of aldermanic campaigns. Aldermanic campaign contributions from developers, businesses, wealthy individuals and special interest groups are often just bribes to buy alderpersons."