Chicago Bribery talk caught on tape

The Chicago Sun-Times reports on the Chicago Way:

Federal investigators have evidence that City Clerk James Laski allegedly shook down his close friend and employee, Michael "Mick" Jones, routinely for bribes to help steer city Hired Truck business to Jones' trucking company, the Chicago Sun-Times has learned.

Jones allegedly would have to make cash payments on a frequent basis to Laski to ensure the trucks from Jones' company, Get Plowed Inc., continued getting city work in the scandal-ridden Hired Truck Program between 1998 and 2004.

Last year, Jones started secretly wearing a listening device for investigators while he talked to Laski. The city clerk allegedly made incriminating statements when he and Jones discussed their arrangement and how to cover it up, sources familiar with the matter said.Federal investigators have evidence that City Clerk James Laski allegedly shook down his close friend and employee, Michael "Mick" Jones, routinely for bribes to help steer city Hired Truck business to Jones' trucking company, the Chicago Sun-Times has learned.

Jones allegedly would have to make cash payments on a frequent basis to Laski to ensure the trucks from Jones' company, Get Plowed Inc., continued getting city work in the scandal-ridden Hired Truck Program between 1998 and 2004.

Last year, Jones started secretly wearing a listening device for investigators while he talked to Laski. The city clerk allegedly made incriminating statements when he and Jones discussed their arrangement and how to cover it up, sources familiar with the matter said.

Laski is living proof that handing out a monopoly for selling vehicle stickers,residential parking permits,and dog licenses isn't a good idea.