Chicago IG Witzburg's last report reveals city employees drinking on job, falsifying work hours
Deborah Witzburg decided not to seek reappointment to another four-year term
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The latest report by Chicago's inspector general found several infractions, including city employees drinking on the job and falsifying work hours.
As she gets ready to leave her position next week, Deborah Witzburg said she believes in the mission of the office: doing work that she says can be messy and challenging but vital.
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"This job has been both more rewarding and exciting and much harder than I anticipated," Witzburg said.
Witzburg's time as inspector general is coming to an end. She decided not to seek reappointment to another four-year term.
She says she is leaving the office more effective that she found it, thanks to legislation passed by City Council designed to protect its independence.
"We are trying to build a city government that more closely resembles the one Chicagoans deserve," Witzburg said.
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That means turning a lens on city government, as the city's top watchdog.
Witzburg says the office's work has not been welcomed by the Johnson administration, which she says has demonstrated hostility to oversight.
"During this administration we have seen what I think is a pattern of decisions to challenge, disempower and to obstruct the work of this office," Witzburg said.
In a response, a spokesperson said Mayor Brandon Johnson remains committed to transparency and ethical governance.
This follows Witzburg's final report as inspector general that found four officers failed to properly investigate after a vehicle driven by a Chicago Fire Department employee struck and killed an individual. It also found several police officers allegedly scammed COVID-era relief funds and several Department of Aviation employees were drinking on the job.
"That investigation revealed alcohol consumption on city time, falsification, failure to report misconduct, shady statements to the OIG," Witzburg said.
Witzburg's last day is next Friday. She says an interim inspector general will likely be appointed, while the process gets underway to identify her successor.
