Say it ain’t so, Joe (although we all know it is)

May 28, 2010 by CookReformer
Filed under: Corruption, Reform

Joe Berris is Cook County Democratic Party chairman. He is also a commissioner on the Board of Review.

And a lobbyist for the expansion of video gambling.

And he’s running for Cook County Assessor.

Is there anything that Joe can’t do? Better question — is there any conflict of interest in which Joe won’t engage?

Today’s Chicago Tribune editorial page puts a spotlight squarely on Berrios who, as they note, is not representing the best interests of the constituents he purports to represent (and from whom he draws a taxpayer-funded salary):

Where but Illinois can you find a candidate for public office crowing about his success as a lobbyist, working hard to bring gambling to your neighborhood?

That’s Cook County Democratic Party Chairman Joe Berrios, who’s running for county assessor. He also represents the Illinois Coin Machine Operators Association, which scored big last year when the General Assembly passed a law to legalize video gambling in any establishment with a liquor license. This week, Berrios pushed through another bill that allows truck stops and fraternal lodges to host the machines too.

We’re not surprised by Berrios’ actions, even if we are supremely disappointed. The truth is, he’s not the only county elected official who draws a taxpayer-funded salary while also serving as a lobbyist who profits from lobbying his or her colleagues on bills that may be in direct conflict with existing county policy, or the best interest of the county taxpayers.

That’s exactly why Commissioner Peraica has introduced new additions to the county ethics ordinance that would bring an end to these conflicts and protect the taxpayers from the profiteers sometimes are elected to serve in county government.