Mayor Lori Lightfoot calls on Ald. Ed Burke to resign after allegations in federal bribery case
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Mayor Lori Lightfoot is calling on Alderman Ed. Burke to resign after he and his top political aide were named as defendants in a federal bribery case against Lake Forest developer Charles Cui.
I-TEAM: Real estate developer charged as result of Ald. Ed Burke investigation
Prosecutors say Cui used Burke's law firm for property tax appeal work as he tried to secure a sign permit for a Northwest Side redevelopment.
READ: Real estate developer Charles Cui indicted
In January, Burke was charged with one count of attempted extortion for allegedly trying to force a fast food restaurant to use his law firm in exchange for a building permit.. The alderman has maintained his innocence.
RELATED: Ed Burke, longtime Chicago alderman, charged with attempted extortion
Despite the charge, Burke was re-elected as alderman of the 14th Ward last February, although he has stepped down from his position as chairman of the City Council's Finance Committee.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot issued the following statement Thursday evening:
"The allegations in this superseding indictment are alarming. The indictment alleges that Ald. Burke used his position and the tools of government to facilitate a criminal enterprise to enrich himself and cheat the residents of this city. No official in this city - elected or appointed - should ever profit from his or her office. Given the serious nature of the allegations, and particularly the allegations that he abused his position as chairman of the Finance committee, Alderman Burke must resign immediately. Given the serious criminal liability he faces, Alderman Burke can no longer continue to do his job honorably or effectively. It is in the best interests of all that he step aside so that the residents of the 14th ward can be properly represented. I have also directed the City's Corporation Counsel to investigate whether any current city employees or vendors were complicit in facilitating the crimes alleged in the superseding indictment. If so, we will not hesitate to take decisive actions against anyone whose conduct violated any laws or ethical rules."
Alderman Burke's legal team released a statement saying, "For over 50 years, Ed Burke has served the citizens of the 14th Ward and the City of Chicago honorably and tirelessly. His accomplishments on behalf of the community and his constituents are notable and many. Any suggestion that Alderman Burke abused his position as a public official for personal gain is simply not true. The charges are unfounded and not based on actual evidence. We welcome the opportunity to present the complete picture and all the facts to a jury. We are confident that when that happens, Ed Burke will be vindicated."
Congressman Jesus "Chuy" Garcia also released a statement that read:
"Ed Burke has left a long trail of corruption in Chicago politics. The charge of racketeering, which was created to combat mafia bosses and organized crime, fits well with the vile actions and abuses he has committed for 50 years. Instead of working to improve our city and serve our residents, he used his position as a public elected official to profit and enrich himself. Thankfully, his alleged crimes have finally been exposed and justice is near. With the election of Mayor Lightfoot, honest government will finally see the light of day."
