Robert Wechsler, director of CityEthics.org, has just released a new intro to local government ethics called “Local Government Ethics Programs in a Nutshell”, in which he has distilled an 800-page digital book and years of blog posts into a 27-page resource for public officials, journalists and others interested in good government. Here’s a bit out…
Category: City Watch
DeKalb’s New Towing Policy a Slap to Checks and Balances
I was reading an article at DeKalb County Online about the City of DeKalb’s new towing policy. Comments on the story included a reference to this tidbit from Section 35.05, Orders for Towing and Impounding of Vehicles by City: f) Towing Policy: The Chief of Police is and shall be authorized to approve changes, amendments…
DeKalb’s Website Transparency Mystery Solved
Just in time for Sunshine Week, I’ve re-scored the City of DeKalb’s website transparency score from scratch. Does it come anywhere near the Illinois Policy Institute’s score of 88.1 points? No. But at least I have found out why. Check out the scoring rubric, here. This is the one I used both in December 2010…
About the City of DeKalb’s Website Transparency Award
*As promised, I’ve continued pursuing the mystery of last month’s awarding of the Illinois Policy Institute’s website transparency award. Here’s an update.* I’ve been in communication with Brian Costin, director of the Local Transparency Project at the Illinois Policy Institute, about the award for website transparency he gave last month to the City of DeKalb.…
Library to Borrow $6 Million as Part of “Fundraising Strategy”
Once again let me express deep, deep skepticism that DeKalb Public Library will actually raise the stated goal of $6 million in private donations to contribute to its expansion costs. Witness the latest step toward putting it on the taxpayers. In order to meet a looming June 30 deadline, the DeKalb Public Library will borrow…
There is no “r” in Fazekas
I want to offer a few words on my write-in candidacy for DeKalb City Clerk so it doesn’t get weird between us. I filed last Thursday, aware by that point of one other person who might be running and found out later that we are four. A public statement of candidacy and a Facebook page…
What Is the DeKalb City Attorney Talking About?
In the course of a year I submit to the city at least a half-dozen requests under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The vast majority of requests for information are filled as a matter of routine. Every once in awhile, though, the city denies something I’ve asked for by citing an exemption under…
The Real Reason There’s a “Skating Rink Lady” in This Municipal Election
Last night I was lucky to attend the candidates’ night hosted by the DeKalb Area Rental Association. Candidates running for DeKalb mayor and aldermen participated. Some performances I liked real well, others I didn’t. Later, I realized the people who impressed me the least were the ones promising regular town hall meetings, ward coffee sessions,…
Library Talks to the City About Issuing Bonds for Its Expansion
Here’s the latest. DeKalb library leaders asked the DeKalb City Council on Monday if it would consider borrowing $7.5 million for the $24 million construction project, which would add 47,000 square feet to the 19,000-square-foot building at 309 Oak St. Library leaders need to secure $15.5 million by June 1 to qualify for an $8.5…
Be Prepared for a $24 Million Tab
The discussion about the city’s issuing bonds on behalf of DeKalb Public Library for its expansion starts at the Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday. In order to secure the $15.5M needed for the expansion, the Library has a plan of financing for City Council consideration. The Library will use $1M in Library fund…