Chicago inspector general alleges obstruction by city's law department
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago's inspector general is doubling down on a proposal that would change the way City Hall interacts with her office.
In February, Deborah Witzburg issued a memo, accusing the city's Department of Law of repeatedly and intentionally interfering in investigations.
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The document alleges that law department "selectively acts in opposition to OIG's investigative work when OIG's work may result in embarrassment or political consequences to City leaders."
In response, city council introduced legislation that would codify the inspector general's independence, and ban the law department's tactics of interference in investigations. However, a measure was quickly introduced to delay the ordinance.
Witzburg also recommended changes to city law that would protect the OIG's independence.
Mayor Brandon Johnson has opposed those changes, claiming they run counter to existing law.
But according to a legal opinion from the Better Government Association, there is no legal impediment to the proposed changes. BGA Director of Policy Bryan Zarou joined ABC7 to discuss on Saturday.
A spokesperson for the City of Chicago Department of Law issued a statement, saying, "The City Inspector General took aim at what was characterized as three practices of the Department of Law that impacted OIG investigations. These practices all derive from and are necessitated by the Corporations Counsel's fiduciary duty and charter, as set forth in the municipal code and Illinois state statue, to protect and promote the legal interests of the City, its employees, and its officials. Further, what the Inspector General has proposed-by her own acknowledgment-would represent a significant departure from all previous Inspectors General."
You can read a full BGA report here.
