(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Inspector General Deborah Witzburg says for some time now, going back to Mayor Eugene Sawyer, the City of Chicago has not been following standard procedure when it comes to gifts people give to the city, putting it in an inventory and making the records available for public viewing.
She says the mayor's office has been keeping a log and apparently keeping the gifts in a locked room.
But when the IG's office sent people pretending to be the public to ask for the records, they were told to file a Freedom of Information Act request.
And when an official request was made by the IG, they got the list, but Witzburg says they were not allowed to see the gifts themselves in an unannounced inspection or since.
“I read the law to be pretty clear in saying that it is the duty of every city official and employee to cooperate with OIG. And that OIG must be given access to city facilities and premises as soon as is practicable.
The I.G. says the gifts included alcohol, jewelry, handbags and other items. Her office still hasn't been allowed to see them.
In response, the mayor's office says it will work closely with the Board of Ethics to implement changes recommended by the inspector general.
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