I have heard from many constituents regarding the recent irresponsible contract and personnel decisions made by the Stroger administration. I share their concern about the “going out of business” sale that seems to be occurring at the expense of Cook County taxpayers, and I have joined my fellow County Commissioners in a bipartisan effort to address these concerns.
In May, I sponsored several pieces of legislation intended to curb these excesses. The countywide hiring freeze requires that any new hires be approved by the County Board. The legislation also includes stricter oversight procedures for hiring, spending and county contracts. With the new 72-hour notification requirements, Commissioners can take immediate and necessary action to stop irresponsible use of taxpayer money.
President Stroger has since vetoed the Hiring Freeze at Cook County, and though the County Board failed to override the veto, I sponsored new legislation requiring Board Approval for all Grade-24 salary adjustments (top level and Shakman-exempt positions are typically Grade-24). This measure again faced a veto at the June 1st Board Meeting…
I will continue to look for ways to protect taxpayers’ money and improve oversight and accountability at the county.
