Citing the endless payment of fees associated with the county’s court-mandated hiring process, Commissioner Earlean Collins today called for an investigation into the county’s compliance with the Shakman accord, which bars politically-motivated hiring and firing.
“We are not moving as fast as we can to resolve the whole Shakman issue,” Collins said. The proposal was sent to the County Board’s litigation sub-committee.
“We have to stop allowing this whole issu to drain the budget. This thing is growing and has taken on a life of its own,” she said.
The county, as well as the sheriff's office and Forest Preserve, are monitored by independent compliance officers. Commissioners said they are pleased with the progress the sheriff's office has made. The Forest Preserve's monitor, Jan Carlsen, says he does not expect that entity to be found in substantial compliance by June, as was originally hoped when he was hired last year.
County Board President Todd Stroger said he has retained law firm Sidley Austin LLP as his own personal representation for Shakman-related issues. He offered no further detail, and I'll let you know when I find out why he needs personal representation.