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* From the Cook County Record…
Cook County Assessor Joseph Berrios, who also serves as chairman of the Cook County Democratic Party, has lost another round in court in his attempt to avoid turning over documents demanded by the county’s Inspector General as part of the IG’s investigation of allegations Berrios’ office improperly granted an assessor’s office employee a special property tax exemption.
A state appellate panel ruled Dec. 8 that the ordinances enacted by the Cook County Board granting the office of the Cook County Inspector General powers to subpoena documents from all county officials, including separately elected constitutional officers, such as the county assessor, during misconduct investigations.
The Illinois First District Appellate Court opinion was authored by Justice Neville, with justices Simon and Hyman concurring.
“We find that the (County) Board has the power to investigate allegations that county officials have abused their powers or committed fraud in their official capacities, as the corruption of county officials pertains to the county’s government and affairs within the meaning of the Illinois Constitution,” the justices wrote.
It’s not been a great couple of years for Berrios.
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 9:45 am
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Of course; this should have been obvious years ago.
This is just allowing the surface to be scratched by the right person. Much more to look at.
Comment by walker Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 9:49 am
Berrios is as bad as Stroger.
Comment by Tone Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 9:55 am
I was stunned that Alderman Santiago or one of her allies didn’t file against Berrios for Committeeman. He seems like he’s on his last legs.
Comment by Century Club Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 10:00 am
Berrios has got all his family and friends on to payroll. Let the chips fall where they may.
Comment by mokenavince Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 10:05 am
“He seems like he’s on his last legs.”
According to the Illinois State
Board of Elections, Berrios’ legs are well-financed:
1) http://elections.il.gov/CampaignDisclosure/D2Quarterly.aspx?id=589422
2) http://elections.il.gov/CampaignDisclosure/CDPdfViewer.aspx?FiledDocID=593828&DocType=A1&ReportType=A1&DocPath=A1.rpt
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 10:15 am
I’m not sure what it is: the machine is slowly crumbling or chairman Berrios is incompetent?
Comment by Bleh Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 10:17 am
Berrios is competent enough to avoid attention from the Feds, which means he is competent enough for his role.
Why can’t we have nice things? And don’t tell me “you get the government you deserve”.
Comment by Chris Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 10:38 am
MrJM, good point. His Assessor’s account has another $844,000 in it and the Assessor job is a plumb gig for raising money. But being well-funded couldn’t save his daughter’s State Rep seat or Alderman Suarez. The local politics in that area is changing, which makes him more vulnerable than his title and bank account imply.
Comment by Century Club Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 10:39 am
wait, Santiago did not file against Berrios? I did not even check because that seemed like a slam dunk. something is up.
Comment by Amalia Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 11:03 am
Luis Arroyo is looking to be the new #1 guy on the NW Side. Not sure why he didn’t put up someone for 31st Ward Committeeman position against JB?
Comment by nyny Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 11:12 am
Amalia and nyny:
“something is up” Ya think?
To dislodge Berrios you’d need a bigger lever than either Santiago or Arroyo have right now.
It doesn’t look like Madigan or Burke will be abandoning him any time soon, no matter how bad he might make the Chicago Dems look. The Hispanic caucus will support him until a better solution appears obvious. If there’s any wave to wash him away, it will come from the Cook Co side. Remember 40% of voting Cook Co Dems are from the suburbs, and that ratio is inching upward.
(Maybe just my wishful thinking.)
Comment by walker Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 1:38 pm
@Walker-I am hearing JB is looking for 1 more term for Assessor. Maybe there is a deal in place but I don’t see the younger turks like Joe Moreno, Arroyo’s etc standng down for another 4+ years. I’m guessing there would be a pretty good Dem Primary for CC Assessor if JB runs again.
Comment by nyny Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 1:48 pm
“If there’s any wave to wash him away, it will come from the Cook Co side.”
Or the DoJ.
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 2:00 pm
Cook County Democratic Chairman isn’t a position given to someone weak. He’s supported by Madigan and Preckwinkle 100% which means NOBODY is going to primary him for Assessor. 31st Ward politics is a different story. Ward Committeeman isn’t a given forever that is for sure. However, he could have something from an ongoing Federal hiring issue come up with something.
Comment by qualified somebody nobody sent Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 2:03 pm