An investigation by Chicago's inspector general found that Mayor Brandon Johnson's office violated ethics policies by improperly withholding a public log of gifts given to the city, including designer handbags, cufflinks, and a personalized pen. The investigation revealed that the mayor's office denied public access to the log, failed to respond to a Freedom of Information Act request on time, and ultimately provided an incomplete list of gifts.
CHICAGO -- Mayor Brandon Johnson's office improperly declined to provide public access to a room at City Hall where gifts to the city are stored, including designer handbags, cufflinks, and a personalized Mont Blanc pen, according to an investigation by the city's inspector general.
The inspector general's office then made an official unannounced request for the gift log, but staffers with the mayor's office said they were told by the city's Law Department that the inspector general must make an appointment to access the gift room.The report notes that the city's municipal code requires all city employees to cooperate with investigations by the inspector general's office, including making any records available 'as soon as practicable.
POLITICS ETHICS GOVERNMENTAL TRANSPARENCY FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT CHICAGO
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