Rahm's Office Isn't So Transparent After All

By aaroncynic in News on Nov 30, 2011 10:26PM

Though Mayor Emanuel’s office has made noise on a frequent basis about remaining transparent, a Chicago Tribune report shows that in respect to some rate hikes and speeding camera tickets, information is less than forthcoming. The Tribune filed requests with City Hall for documents showing how Emanuel came up with plans involving the rate hikes and has received very little information.

"To date, the only internal document provided by the city is a PowerPoint demonstration on the need for water rate hikes, which consists mostly of background on the city's water system. Some slides were removed by the city, which cited a broad exemption for "deliberative materials" under the Freedom of Information Act."

The mayor’s office refused to produce more than 2,000combined emails the city identified as relevant to the speed camera, water rate and vehicle sticker issues, saying it would’ve been problematic to remove opinions or deliberations it can withhold from the public. David Morrison, associate director for the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform called this “egregious,” adding “when they just keep saying no, it's no longer about right and wrong. It's about what they want, and they don't want you to know anything."