Clout Hiring Alive in Chicago
A clout hiring scandal in Chicago’s Department of Transportation (CDOT) has led to a five-day, unpaid suspension for an engineering technician and the resignation of a Deputy Commissioner. The Chicago Sun-Times reports:
Jim Bolster was slapped with the
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Day Care License Representatives Paid $63K Salaries
The State of Illinois paid 167 Day Care License Representatives $10,585,758 in total wages during fiscal year 2008.
Benefits Benefit Counselors Paid $56K Salaries
The State of Illinois paid 12 Benefit Counselors $679,791 in combined total wages in fiscal year 2008.
Metra Employees Taking Advantage of Overtime Pay
The Sun-Times reports that more than 10% of Metra employees last year made at least $20,000 in overtime pay. Total overtime pay in 2009 reached nearly $20 million.
Cook County Contracts under Investigation
The Chicago Sun-Times reports that a dozen Cook County contracts are being investigated by the county’s ethics board and inspector general. Two of the contracts went to businesses that are not registered with the county or state, “a…
$873K for “Larger” Nuts and Bolts
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) gave an $873,700 grant to “produce the larger nuts and bolts used in construction of wind turbines.”
Over Two Million Dollars to Operate Free Ferries
In 2008, the State of Illinois paid 16 ferry operators $1,254,700 in combined total wages. The highest paid ferry operator made $87,141.94, and the average for all operators was $78,000. Ferry Operators are responsible for maintaining and operating…
Three Million Dollars to Manage DMVs
In 2008, the state of Illinois employed 72 driver facility managers who made $3,365,732 in combined total wages. Driver facility managers are employees of the Illinois Secretary of State and responsible for the oversight of facility…
$875,000 to Operate Power Shovels
In 2008, the State of Illinois paid 15 Power Shovel Operators $875,765.00 in combined total wages. The Operators were employed by the Department of Transportation and the Department of Natural Resources. The highest paid operator made…
Tourism Grants to the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association
Using our transparency website, IllinoisOpenGov.org, I found that in fiscal year 2009, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) disbursed a $45,500 grant to the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association (IGGVA).…
