A consensus has emerged that the pending ordinance bringing the Chicago City Council under the jurisdiction of Inspector General Joe Ferguson is long overdue. Extending the inspector general’s scope provides necessary oversight of the legislative branch, replacing the toothless office of the legislative inspector general.
The concern that broadening the inspector general’s jurisdiction violates separation of powers has not proven to be problematic in other U.S. cities with similar arrangements, nor has this impeded the Federal Bureau of Investigation from fairly investigating allegations of wrongdoing by members of Congress. In addition, Ferguson indicates that his office dismisses more than 70 percent of the complaints it receives, demonstrating that aldermen needn’t fear unfounded or politically motivated allegations.
The Union League Club of Chicago urges all aldermen — a majority of whom are already cosponsors of this ordinance — to support transparency and accountability by voting for this critical measure at the City Council’s Feb. 10 meeting.
— William J. Nissen, chairman, Public Affairs Committee, Union League Club of Chicago
