Political opponents of Ald. John Pope (10th) contended Monday at a state Board of Elections hearing that he broke the law when he drew $4,500 in salary from his political war chest while he was an aldermanic candidate last year. Pope’s attorneys contended that the payments were legal because they were for legitimate services he provided to his campaign, including lease negotiations for an office and computer setup.
Pope, who disclosed the payment in official filings with the city clerk’s office, served as an aide to Mayor Richard Daley before deciding to run for office. He took a leave of absence from his city job and said that, after being assured by his lawyer that it would be proper, drew money from his campaign fund to pay his living expenses.
The election board is expected to rule this month whether Pope violated state law. If the ruling goes against him, he could face a fine but would not be in jeopardy of being removed from office.
