The Cook County Board of Commissioner’s budgetary hearings are planned for the end of October. I am preparing a budget presentation for the Office of the Independent Inspector General (OIIG). Under consideration is an amendment to ensure the Inspector General’s Office is adequately funded and free from political influence and interference. There are some Cook County elected officials who support our Office, however, they seem apprehensive to speak up for us. It makes me reminisce about what Cook County government used to be before the creation of the Independent Inspector General.
Michael L. Shakman initiated a lawsuit against the County to fight against corruption in the form of political patronage – the notion “we don’t want nobody, nobody sent.” During that time, your “clout” could get you a position in County government despite the lack of credentials and experience. Mr. Shakman’s litigation against the County lasted for more than 40 years and ultimately led the County to create an Independent Inspector General’s Office. The OIIG also had help from brave and honest elected officials such as former Commissioner Larry Suffredin.
Before the OIIG, the County hospital was seen as a “dumping ground” for bad employees. Further, the Highway Department had employees who surfed the internet all day and others who were seen as a “bump on a log” without adding any value according to a former Highway Department Superintendent. Cook County government was a place where Commissioner’s discretionary accounts had oversight in name only. Enormous amounts were spent on “gas” allegedly to drive around their districts. A commissioner leased an automobile while another commissioner used her County discretionary account to pay tuition for an MBA. Before the OIIG’s report on claim denials, the County health system was losing $80-100 million per year due to minor clerical errors and mismanagement. All these ailments cost Cook County residents time and money.
Fast forward to 2024, when I was appointed the new Inspector General for Cook County. I stood in the County’s Boardroom and spoke of the progress made since the OIIG was established. I gave credit to the administration and Board for working with the Inspector General’s Office. Together, we transformed Cook County government into an honest, efficient and transparent governmental body. The County’s tone at the top was of the highest order and the Board’s collaborative work was admirable. There were elected officials who expressed great joy in my appointment. Now, some have gone silent or even grown hostile. Why? I am asking for an amendment to ensure I can fight against corruption, waste and mismanagement in Cook County government for the best interest of the public. Something that the City of Chicago enacted ten years ago.
The OIIG has been underfunded for many years. The OIIG has approximately the same number of staff since its inception in 2007. However, the County’s overall budget has tripled during that same period. This imbalance means that there is approximately one OIIG investigator for every 1,000 County employees. Further, the OIIG receives almost 800 complaints each year, which equates to 40 complaints per investigator based on the fiscal year 2024 budget. Another consideration is that the legendary Michael Shakman, as plaintiff, agreed to a settlement that released the County from Federal Court oversight partially due to the creation and funding of the OIIG. Once the County was released from federal oversight, it no longer had to spend millions of dollars each year on Shakman Compliance Administrators. Unfortunately, the OIIG was not allocated any additional funds to hire more staff to deal with this increased Shakman oversight responsibility. We have heard, and understand, the concerns that there is economic uncertainty starting in 2027. However, what message do we send to those vulnerable, yet courageous and hopeless, complainants seeking justice, corrective action and relief? What about the frustrated taxpayer or public patron of County services? The OIIG has limited resources and the County fears future economic uncertainty, so we will get to it, if we can? Is that an acceptable answer for these situations?
The OIIG has been budgeted five additional staff for fiscal year 2026. Initially, our budgetary request came with conditions until we asserted the need for independence. Ironically, this was the very political interference the OIIG is intending to avoid with the Budgetary Floor Amendment. The OIIG must be free from political independence to investigate corruption, waste and mismanagement.
If this Message resonates with you, it is time to make your voices heard!
Tirrell J. Paxton, is the inspector general of Cook County.