A consulting firm owned by Carla Oglesby, the newly-minted deputy chief of staff for County Board President Todd Stroger, received a nearly $25,000 payment just days after she was put on the county payroll, according to news reports.
Oglesby's firm, CGC Communications, was paid $24,975 for consulting work in Februrary. The contract evaded commissioners' scrutiny because it is not enough to require their approval. That amount? Twenty-five thousand dollars.
Some commissioners have complained during County Board meetings that few contracts were coming their way to be approved, leading them to speculate smaller payments were being awarded.
According to the Sun-Times: "Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin said the contract 'was an intentional act to subvert the approval of the county board.'”
Commissioner Timothy Schneider told Fox Chicago News, "We've seen too many times that these contracts fly right under the radar of the $25,000 threshhold and this is happening time and time again."
Oglesby had no comment, and Stroger's staff said she is no longer involved with CGC Communications. She is still listed on the company's website as principal and founder.
Oglesby coordinated the communications arm of Stroger's unsuccessful reelection campaign.