Chicago aldermen use expense accounts to pay ex-Park District official

, including Williams, ended their employment with the Park District following the release of the independent report commissioned by the district’s board.

When asked about Williams’ move from the Park District to being a City Council contractor, Board of Ethics Executive Director Steve Berlin said that although it was concerning, the board doesn’t vet City Council contractors and he isn’t aware of who does.Mayor Lightfoot budget includes sweeteners for all 50 aldermen in the form of $25,000 increases to their ward budgets.

Harris, who has been alderman of the 8th Ward on the South Side since 2006, said Williams spent significant time helping community organizations apply for grants through, which gave every ward office $100,000 to invest how they saw fit. “I know him personally, I know his character, I know who he is, and that’s the most that I’m going to talk,” Harris said. “He didn’t do anything, and so I’m not gonna comment on something that I don’t have any firsthand information .”

The report noted that Kelly, the Park District CEO, was first notified of the Oak Street Beach lifeguard’s allegations in an email that he forwarded to Williams, stating, “Take a look and let’s discuss.” But the law firm found no evidence either Williams or Kelly did anything to follow up on the allegations. The firm also found no evidence that either reported the complaint to human resources, as required.

Alisa Kaplan, executive director for the ethics advocacy group Reform for Illinois, said ineligibility at one agency shouldn’t automatically disqualify someone in other parts of city government. But she added that the information should be shared and accessible for all agencies to review.

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