About Cook GOP
Chairman
Leadership
City Of Chicago
Cook County
9/2/2010
Stroger Just Doesn't Care Anymore
8/31/2010
Berrios Under the Microscope
8/31/2010
GOP Takes Unprecedented 10-Point Lead on Generic Ballot
09/07/2010
Regular Lemont GOP meeting
09/08/2010
Reception for Senator Bill Brady
09/12/2010
Carl Segvich for Commissioner Fundraiser
Had Enough of Pat Quinn?
Pat Quinn's Christmas in July
Katie Brady on Her Dad, Bill Brady
Website shines light on Cook County lobbying
7/27/2010 1:08:11 PM
Daily Herald Staff Report and Hal Dardick from the Chicago Tribune
Cook County residents can get greater awareness of who is trying to influence county government at a new website announced this morning.
The Cook County Clerk's office reported that lobbyists made 576 contacts seeking to influence nearly 60 county officials during the first half of this year. Lobbyists have earned more than $1.1 million so far this year, with three firms reporting they've earned more than $100,000.
Lobbyists are required to submit reports twice a year, in January and July.
To view the reports, go to cookcountyclerk.com/ethics/lobbyistonline.
The most lobbied official in Cook County Government? That's Cook County Chief Financial Officer Jaye Williams, according to a the county Web site.
Lobbyists talked to her nearly 40 times during the first six months of the year, almost always to discuss bonds and contracts.
By contrast, William’s boss, County Board President Todd Stroger, spoke with lobbyists less than a dozen times.
Cook County commissioners last year voted to require more details about lobbying under the county's ethics ordinance. Failure to report could result in an ethics investigation and fine.
What day the lobbyists spoke to county officials, who the lobbyists worked for, what they talked about and whether they met face to face all is listed on the new site.
It’s the most detailed site of its kind in the state, said David Morrison, assistant director of the Illinois campaign for Political Reform.
