16% of Chicago Aldermen Can’t Read a Calendar or Use a Computer

Better Government Association reports:

Eight Chicago aldermen failed to comply with Illinois law by filing their campaign statements late, not at all, or on paper. Illinois has virtually no rules on campaign finance except requiring disclosure of campaign contributions. Apparently, for some alderman even Illinois’ minimal requirements were too much to comply with in a timely fashion.

Despite fairly simple and straightforward reporting standards, Aldermen Leslie Hairston and Willie Cochran have, as of today, failed to file their most recent semi-annual report of campaign contributions received between January 1st and June 30th. In addition, Aldermen Sandi Jackson, George Cardenas, Latasha Thomas, Howard Brookins, Billy Ocasio and Brendan Reilly failed to file their semi-annual reports by July 20th, the reporting deadline. Alderman Reilly has the dubious distinction of both filing late and filing on paper despite that fact he managed to file all other previous contribution reports electronically.

“The citizens of Chicago are expected to comply with all the various laws that Aldermen impose upon us every year and non-compliance usually results in a stiff fine or penalty. It would be nice if the Aldermen could lead by example and obey the laws that govern their campaign fundraising and reporting,” said Jay Stewart, Executive Director of the Better Government Association.

10 ILCS 5/9-10(c) of the Election Code mandates that all semi-annual reports of campaign contributions for the first half of the year are to be filed by July 20th. Furthermore, 10 ILCS 5/9-28 of the Election Code requires campaign committees having at least $10,000 in contributions, expenditures or loans to file their semi-annual reports electronically.