Committee Recommends Ordinance Give City Inspector General Jurisdiction Over City Council
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A Chicago City Council Committee is recommending the full council approve an ordinance that would give City Inspector General Joe Ferguson jurisdiction to keep watch over the aldermen, reports WBBM Political Editor Craig Dellimore.
Currently, the City Council has a job for its own inspector general, although the man who had that post complained that he had little power or money.
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Sponsor Alderman Michele Smith says the new ordinance would treat the City Council members like all other city employees.
Alderman Will Burns, who is listed as a co-sponsor, nevertheless argues that the aldermen aren't the same.
"There is a political benefit from filing complaints against members of the City Council and having that information in the ether," Burns said.
But Alderman Joe Moore suggests the benefits outweigh the risks.
"I think we really need to send a very strong message to our constituents that we don't believe to be ourselves to be above the law," Moore said.
The measure passed easily and goes before the full council Wednesday.
