Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has been accused of not correctly documenting designer presents whereas additionally blocking entry to the Metropolis Corridor “reward room,” based on a report from the Metropolis of Chicago Workplace of the Inspector Common (OIG).
The OIG launched the report Wednesday, accusing the Chicago mayor’s workplace of accepting presents, together with Hugo Boss cuff hyperlinks, a customized Montblanc pen, a 2023 U.S. Nationwide Soccer Crew jersey, a Gucci tote bag, a Kate Spade crimson purse and Carrucci dimension 14 sneakers from Feb. 2, 2022, by March 20, 2024.
The report notes that nearly 70% of the 380 logged presents obtained from Feb. 2, 2022, to March 20, 2024, don’t record the id of the donor.
The town obtained the nationwide soccer group jersey June 16, 2023, from a consultant from Nike. On Oct. 3, 2023, the town obtained Airpods, a tote bag and a notepad from an govt with the U.S. Convention of Mayors.
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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has been accused of improperly accepting designer presents. (AP Photograph/Charles Rex Arbogast)
However different entries, just like the Hugo Boss cuff hyperlinks and customized Montblanc pen obtained June 12, 2023, and a Gucci tote bag and crossbody bag obtained March 18, 2024, fail to incorporate data on the id of who supplied the reward.
Personnel from the OIG went to the fifth ground of Metropolis Corridor Nov. 8, 2024, to request entry to the reward room, unannounced, to conduct an inspection of the style through which presents to the town are saved and to audit the presents and assessment controls for entry to the reward room.
As a substitute, the OID was met by Chicago Law enforcement officials, the report famous. After explaining the OIG’s request to view the reward room, OIG personnel had been advised to attend in a foyer by an elevator.
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The presents embody Hugo Boss cuff hyperlinks, a customized Montblanc pen, a 2023 U.S. Nationwide Soccer Crew jersey, a Gucci tote bag, a Kate Spade crimson purse and extra, based on the town’s inspector normal. (Reuters/Vincent Alban)
Whereas ready, the OIG spoke with senior members of the mayor’s workplace concerning the request, then introduced a written request to entry the room.
After additional delay, the mayor’s workplace mentioned it spoke to counsel, who mentioned OIG wouldn’t be granted entry to the reward room that day. To entry the room, the OIG was advised it must make an appointment, the report mentioned.
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As soon as the OIG was denied, it engaged in additional conversations with the Division of Regulation for entry to the reward room, and it was it was advised it not be granted entry.
The OIG mentioned in its report that reward disclosures required by the Governmental Ethics Ordinance (GEO) promote transparency and accountability.
“When presents are altering palms — maybe actually — in a windowless room in Metropolis Corridor, there isn’t any alternative for oversight and public scrutiny of the propriety of such presents, the identities and intentions of the gift-givers, or what it means for presents like whiskey, jewellery, purses, and dimension 14 males’s sneakers to be accepted ‘on behalf of the Metropolis,’” the report famous.
A few of the presents had been accepted whereas former Mayor Lori Lightfoot was in workplace, whereas others had been accepted after Johnson took the oath of workplace.
Johnson advised reporters throughout a press convention Wednesday the OIG’s report was a mischaracterization of what occurred.
“These are presents to the town. They’re logged,” Johnson advised reporters. “The characterization of how this report got here out is misguided, and, once more, we’ll ensure that our group provides you the entry that you simply want so to see the presents which can be given to the town.”
The mayor mentioned there’s a course of everybody should undergo, including that no one is above the legislation, not even the OIG.
As for the presents, Johnson mentioned there are occasions he’ll go to a group perform and obtain a present bag as a token of appreciation.
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“I don’t need folks to assume there’s some room in metropolis authorities the place there’s only a wall stuffed with belts and socks and sneakers and fancy hats,” Johnson mentioned, noting he has really obtained hats.
“With all due respect, typically I imagine that individuals chase down a wall with nothing on it. There’s a log. It’s there. It’s been there for years.”
Johnson additionally mentioned he has by no means seen the reward room that the OIG referred to.
“I don’t assume there’s a room, [but] if folks need a tour of this room, I’ll join as a result of I’ve by no means been to it myself,” he mentioned.
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