(WBBM NEWRADIO) — Mayor Lightfoot on Friday said she’ll ask the Inspector General’s Office to investigate reports that Northwest Side Ald. James Gardiner retaliated against residents or business owners who have criticized him.
The story started recently with leaked texts in which the 45th Ward alderman used profane, sexist and homophobic language to describe constituents, a council colleague and a city staffer.
Then, reporting by Block Club Chicago and Channel 11 detailed allegations that Gardiner used city services or their denial against critics and political enemies.
A county official already is looking into whether Gardiner improperly accessed court records of a Portage Park business owner who questioned him publicly, Block Club reported.
Mayor Lightfoot reacted Friday to the latest allegations and said it won’t do to suss out all of the allegations via the media.
“There ought to be a fulsome investigation. We’re going to recommend to the Inspector General’s Office that that investigation happen,” she said.
Lightfoot said she told Gardiner last week that any denial of help to anyone because they opposed his election is unacceptable.
The alderman reportedly apologized to the individuals he referenced in the texts.
WBBM Newsradio reached out to Gardiner Friday seeking comment.
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