Dial C for Corruption

By Amy Hart in News on May 5, 2006 4:12PM

Yesterday Chicago’s Inspector General, David Hoffman, announced a new hotline and secure website for tipsters who want to rat out their fellow city workers engaging in corrupt practices and illegal patronage. Hoffman said when he arrived on the job six months ago the office lacked the technology and expertise to properly handle such issues. But now a quick call to 866-IG-TIPLINE (448-4754) or a visit to ChicagoInspectorGeneral.org is all it will take for city workers to turn in their peers.

The timing of the hotline and website is significant, as Mayor Daley’s former patronage chief and three co-defendants are under trial for corrupt hiring practices.

We wonder if the new website and hotline will coordinate any activities with ShakmanMonitor.com, or if concerned employees should contact both the Inspector General and the federal monitor when they want to report something.

Hoffman also wants to be given authority to investigate aldermen. Not surprisingly, the City Council is crying foul, saying it is an example of the executive branch infringing on the powers of the legislative branch. Who needs that whole checks and balances thing in municipal government anyway?