Calling an Arizona law aimed at finding illegal immigrants un-American, Cook County commissioners today approved a resolution boycotting the state and giving the board power to end any contracts with vendors located in the state.
But in a quick turn of events, commissioners then approved a contract with a Scottsdale, Ariz.-based company that will supply red-light cameras in the Cook suburbs.
Commissioners Edwin Reyes and Joseph Mario Moreno, the board's lone Latinos, led the charge to boycott Arizona businesses. Read more...
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. Read more...
Cook County Board President Todd Stroger has hired a new deputy chief of staff.
Carla Oglesby, previously managing partner of CGC Communications, will replace Pam Munizzi, who recently retired from the post. At CGC, Oglesby had overseen media outreach in Stroger's unsuccessful bid for the Democratic nomination this year.
Oglesby "understands the initiatives and opportunities to which my administration is committed, and is dedicated to joining me in doing all we can to support policy and programs that help the people of Cook County," Stroger said in a statement today. Read more...
It’s unlikely we’ve heard the last of the sales tax debate. But for now, the sales tax is staying right where it is.
Commissioner Tony Peraica’s bid to axe the remaining half-percent of the 2008 sales tax hike was defeated by county commissioners at Tuesday’s board meeting. Commissioners in the finance committee voted 11-6 against the measure.
Voting nay were Commissioners William Beavers, Jerry Butler, John Daley, Bridget Gainer, Joseph Mario Moreno, Joan Patricia Murphy, Edwin Reyes, Deborah Sims, Robert Steele and Larry Suffredin. Read more...
As we nurse a primary hangover, here are some more Cook County results, if you’ve not seen them yet. (Scroll down for Cook County board results)
Republican Roger Keats soundly beat Chicago cop John Garrido for the County Board president nomination. Green Party candidate Tom Tresser ran unopposed.
Sheriff Tom Dart easily beat Sylvester Baker, and will face off against Republican Frederick Collins. Read more...
