UPDATE 2X - City Hall Media Stunt Today

The full text of an actual press release from three Chicago aldermen: Moore (49th), Preckwinkle (4th) and Munoz (22nd). The announcement is for a media event on Monday, March 10 at 10:30 a.m. at Chicago City Hall, 2nd Floor (121 N La Salle Street). But first, a few items of new business: UPDATE 2X: Fighting The "Old Guard" On Oversight by Angela Caputo (3:20 pm, March 10) Ald. Joe Moore (49th) said he and several colleagues will hold a news conference Tuesday to push for the changes because of recent scandals in state and local government. “If there was a time for an ordinance like this, now is the time," Moore said. “People are upset. We need to assure them that we are not above the law." That begs these questions: "Recent" scandals? "Now" is the time? Where have these aldermen been for the past many years while Chicago has been earning a reputation as one of the most politically corrupt cities in the nation? WHY NOW? HINT: Alderman Moore knows the hammer is about to drop. HINT: Alderman Preckwinkle is running against Cook County Board President Todd Stroger, and she'd like to make people forget that she's been a staunch support of Stroger til now. HINT: Alderman Munoz is also doing damage control, in part because of last month's video of him assaulting a constituent. ### FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, March 9, 2009 CONTACT: Ald. Joe Moore 773-848-5796 PRESS ADVISORY: ALDERMAN MOORE AND COLLEAGUES TO ANNOUNCE PLANS TO STRENGHTEN INDEPENDENCE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL’S OFFICE WHO: Alderman Joe Moore, Alderman Toni Preckwinkle, Alderman Ricardo Munoz and other City Council members. WHAT: Presentation of proposed ordinance that will expand Inspector General’s oversight authority to include City Council members and strengthen the agency’s independence. WHERE: Chicago City Hall, 2nd Floor WHEN: Tuesday, March 10, 2009 - 10:30 a.m. WHY: The ongoing parade of political scandals at the federal state and local level have increased the deep public cynicism about the honesty and integrity of those elected to public service. Adding to this cynicism at the local level is the legal provision that exempts City Council members and their staffs from the investigatory oversight of the City of Chicago Inspector General. Alderman Moore and his colleagues will present a proposed ordinance that removes the exemption and provides additional measures to strengthen the Inspector General’s independence. ###