A study by the University of Illinois at Chicago says the nation’s second largest county has been a “dark pool of political corruption” for more than a century.
A study by the University of Illinois at Chicago says the nation’s second largest county has been a "dark pool of political corruption" for more than a century. Nearly 150 Cook County employees, politicians and contractors have been convicted on corruption charges since 1957. That’s according to a report released Thursday by the university and the Better Government Association. The 33-page study gives a history of corruption, starting from 1869 when county commissioners were jailed for rigging a bid to paint City Hall. It also details hiring scandals, including some under Cook County Board President Todd Stroger. Stroger hasn’t been charged with any crime. The study says reforms could turn things around, including stricter campaign finance laws and amending a county ethics ordinance. Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.