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* This doesn’t mean a whole lot in the real world unless they leave the position vacant for an inordinate period. But it’s definitely a bad look. Center Square…
Another vacancy in the office that oversees state lawmakers means complaints won’t be investigated until the position is filled.
Legislative Inspector General Carol Pope is the most recent inspector to resign from the position. She gave notice six months ago, calling the office a “paper tiger.”
In a letter to members of the bipartisan Illinois Legislative Ethics Commission in July, Pope said she hoped to make a difference from the inside and improve the public’s view of the legislature by bringing true ethics reforms.
“Unfortunately, I have not been able to do so,” Pope said. “This last legislative session [in the spring] demonstrated true ethics reform is not a priority. The LIG has no real power to effect change or shine a light on ethics violations, the position is essentially a paper tiger.”
Her departure date is Dec. 15. She was approved for the job in 2019.
State Sen. Jil Tracy, R-Quincy, who chairs the Legislative Ethics Commission, said it’s troubling they can’t keep a watchdog in place.
“They’ve made it very clear that subpoena power is important, that their ability to investigate without getting permission from the commission would be very important,” Tracy told The Center Square on Tuesday. “I know I’ve been part of legislative initiatives filed to do just that and they’ve not gone anywhere, they’ve not gone through the legislative process, and so these inspector generals quit out of frustration.”
The commission meets Thursday where a nominee to replace Pope could be considered. But, the full General Assembly wouldn’t be able to approve anything until they return early next month at the earliest.
The most recent quarterly report issued at the end of September indicated there were 34 allegations received to the LIG, where six investigations were initiated. The total number of allegations referred by the LIG to any law enforcement agency was four. The total number of allegations referred to another investigatory body was five.
*** UPDATE *** I reached out to Sen. Jil Tracy, who co-chairs the Legislative Ethics Commission. Sen. Tracy said she spoke to LIG Pope yesterday, who said she doesn’t want to see the office vacant.
“I think she and staff will hang on through January 6,” Tracy said.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Dec 15, 21 @ 9:53 am
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“calling the office a “paper tiger.”
Well paper is the first year anniversary. Had she stuck it out it would have progressed to cotton, then leather, up to silver and gold.
Comment by Sling Wednesday, Dec 15, 21 @ 10:00 am
Ah heck, I’ll do it. What’s the worse that could happen?
Comment by Nobody Sent Wednesday, Dec 15, 21 @ 2:02 pm
At this point, anyone who would even consider taking such a position should feel completely free to dictate the terms of the position…
What’s the worst that could happen…they don’t get offered the job?
“No subpoenas? Naaaaa, I’ll find a different job.”
“No permission from the commission? Naaaaa, same answer.”
When Sen. Tracy persuades her ethically honest colleagues to allow subpoena power, that’ll be the day I go to church. When ethically questionable individuals are in control of the process….does anyone think they would actually allow someone to look over their shoulders??
Looks like I’m off the hook for the pews for a few more years. (S)
Comment by northernwatersports Wednesday, Dec 15, 21 @ 3:28 pm