Boarp or Brnics
erry or
CHICAGO
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 30,2018
conTacr:
Beard of Ethics
3127449560
steve.be i
(CHICAGO BOARD OF ETHICS ISSUES RECOMMENDATIONS FOR STRENGTHENING CHICAGO'S ETHCS LAWS,
‘The Chicago Board of Ethics totay proposed dozens of recommendations to the Mayar and Clty Counel to
strengthen the Citys ethics ows
“Wve have an historic opportunity to eect lasting change to the culture of etic in Cty government, and that
change begins with the Mayers strong commitment to ethical behavior and foreful laws,” sald Board Chair
‘wlan F- Conlon,
‘The proposals would dramatically increase the fines for ethics violations. “We need the ability to impose
appropriate sonctons that send the message that penaties for ethics violations are significant and not merely &
cost of doing business,” said Executive Direct Steve Bein
The Board's proposals would also Increase transparency and disclosure of potential conflicts of interests, ehten
restrictions on eampaign contributions from ‘large-money players’ and eliminate certain kinds of secondary
employment that have in the past leant themselves to eonflets of intrest. They wouls algo result in 8 move
practical set of reguiatons for lobbyists
Bertin said the changes are home of decades of advising people on complying with Chicago's ethics laws, and on
‘extensive research on how other large cities approach similar problems
‘The Boord published a dat fits proposed changes months ago and soiited and recived insightful comments.
These came from concerned ctzens and from fellow Cty employees and offelas in the Cty Cour and in
‘operating departments. They are incorporated into the Boar's submission,
40 NORTH SRDGWICK STREET, SUITE 400, CHICAGO, LLLANOrS 40484Boao or Bruics
cIry OF CHICAGO
‘Memonaxpum
To: The lororable Lor Lito Mayor
The Honorable Members! the Chap iy Counc
raat Low
‘Witiam Conon, char
‘da Na]
Seven Bern, Bective Dirtor
Dates Ay 20.2000
Re___supestad Amendments tothe Cys tis ws
‘The Board of Ethics fs pleased and honored to present o you ts package of suggested amendments tothe
y's ethics laws. We submit these pursuant to §§2-186-280(¢) and -(F of the Governmental Ethics
Ordinance (chapter 2 ofthe Municipal Code of Chicago). The Board has been working on these proposals