Tax watchdog group Sues Chicago Over parking deal

The Chicago Sun-Times reports:

A taxpayer watchdog group filed suit today, alleging the city's much-criticized deal that put Chicago's parking meters in the hands of a private firm still relies on police -- and public dollars -- for enforcement.

In their lawsuit, the Independent Voters of Illinois along with Chicago resident Aviva Patt charge the parking meter privatization deal "unconstitutionally obligates the city to expend public funds in order to police, enforce and maintain the privately held and privately controlled parking meter system" -- a violation of the Illinois Constitution which states "public funds, property or credit shall only be used for public purposes." Earlier this year, the city leased some 36,000 meters to Chicago Parking Meters LLC for $1.15 billion for 75 years -- a move drawing the ire of motorists who are seeing a steep climb in rates.

At the heart of the suit is a belief that portions of the agreement are illegal, says the watchdog group's attorney Clint Krislov.

"The streets are a public way that the city is not authorized to lease to a single entity," he said, noting that the term of the contract is "excessive." "It ties up public assets and commits city council beyond the term of this future city council. To tie up a public way for an excessive period -- government doesn't have the authority to do that," Krislov said, citing case law.

No word yet from Alderman Burke, the man most legally responsible for this deal. Just think, this case could go all the way up to the Illinois Supreme Court where Alderman Burke's wife is a justice. Here's the press release.Good luck.