Judge Wants To Know Extent Of Daley's Health

By Chuck Sudo in News on Jul 8, 2014 7:30PM

A Cook County judge told lawyers for former Mayor Richard M. Daley he’s going to need to know just how sick the former Elective Majesty is before he rules on a motion to keep Daley from testifying in the city’s attempt to break its lease with the owners of Park Grill.

Cook County Circuit Judge Moshe Jacobius said he’s going to need more information about the extent of Daley’s health before he rules on whether he’ll grant Daley a “medical hardship” from testifying. Jacobius also will allow attorneys to argue over whether an affidavit detailing Daley’s condition should be released to city attorneys and Jacobius only, or if it will be released in open court. Daley suffered a stroke in January and while his attorneys are arguing for the medical hardship Daley’s brother, Cook County Commissioner John Daley, told reporters recently the former mayor was “in excellent health” and traveling.

Daley’s attorney Terrence Burns is also seeking to keep Daley off the witness stand, citing a previous deposition where the former mayor couldn’t recall details of the Park Grill deal. Jacobius refreshingly seemed intent to not be influenced by Daley’s resume or his position as a member of one of Chicago’s political dynasties.

“He no longer is a mayor and is a private citizen and should be held to the same standard as a private citizen.”

Daley’s attorneys have until Monday to make their case. Attorneys for Park Grill, hoping to use Daley as a star witness in the case, have until July 23 to respond.