CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A local government watchdog group weighed in on a Chicago Park District effort to ensure a safe work environment.
Just under $618,000 had been allocated from the park district’s 2022 operating budget to establish an Office of Prevention and Accountability.
The new office created five new positions that, in the words of the district, would ensure an equitable, inclusive, safe and respectful recreation and work environment. That environment will aim to be free from discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, workplace violence, abuse and neglect of children and adults with intellectual disabilities and free from retaliation.
While it’s not a significant percentage of the overall budget of $510.9 million, David Greising with the Better Government Association, who also is a long time critic of the park district’s handling of harassment and misconduct, said it’s a reasonable effort.
“Addressing the problem, providing support and be open toward a bigger budget and more staffing if needed sometime soon. I think there’s an argument to be made that this is a very serious response to a very serious problem,” Greising told WBBM Newsradio.
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