Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has been accused of not correctly documenting designer presents whereas additionally blocking entry to the Metropolis Corridor “present room,” in response to a report from the Metropolis of Chicago Workplace of the Inspector Basic (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 Group jersey, a Gucci tote bag, a Kate Spade pink purse and Carrucci dimension 14 sneakers from Feb. 2, 2022, by means of March 20, 2024.
The report notes that nearly 70% of the 380 logged presents acquired from Feb. 2, 2022, to March 20, 2024, don’t listing the id of the donor.
Town acquired the nationwide soccer staff jersey June 16, 2023, from a consultant from Nike. On Oct. 3, 2023, town acquired 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 Picture/Charles Rex Arbogast)
However different entries, just like the Hugo Boss cuff hyperlinks and customized Montblanc pen acquired June 12, 2023, and a Gucci tote bag and crossbody bag acquired March 18, 2024, fail to incorporate info on the id of who supplied the present.
Personnel from the OIG went to the fifth flooring of Metropolis Corridor Nov. 8, 2024, to request entry to the present room, unannounced, to conduct an inspection of the style during which presents to town are saved and to audit the presents and evaluation controls for entry to the present room.
As an alternative, the OID was met by Chicago Law enforcement officials, the report famous. After explaining the OIG’s request to view the present 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 Group jersey, a Gucci tote bag, a Kate Spade pink purse and extra, in response to town’s inspector normal. (Reuters/Vincent Alban)
Whereas ready, the OIG spoke with senior members of the mayor’s workplace concerning the request, then offered a written request to entry the room.
After additional delay, the mayor’s workplace stated it spoke to counsel, who stated OIG wouldn’t be granted entry to the present room that day. To entry the room, the OIG was advised it must make an appointment, the report stated.
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As soon as the OIG was denied, it engaged in additional conversations with the Division of Legislation for entry to the present room, and it was it was advised it not be granted entry.
The OIG stated in its report that present disclosures required by the Governmental Ethics Ordinance (GEO) promote transparency and accountability.
“When presents are altering fingers — maybe actually — in a windowless room in Metropolis Corridor, there isn’t a 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 town. They’re logged,” Johnson advised reporters. “The characterization of how this report got here out is misguided, and, once more, we’ll be sure that our staff offers you the entry that you simply want so to see the presents which are given to town.”
The mayor stated there’s a course of everybody should undergo, including that no person is above the regulation, not even the OIG.
As for the presents, Johnson stated there are occasions he’ll go to a neighborhood perform and obtain a present bag as a token of appreciation.
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“I don’t need individuals to suppose there’s some room in metropolis authorities the place there’s only a wall filled with belts and socks and sneakers and fancy hats,” Johnson stated, noting he has really acquired hats.
“With all due respect, typically I imagine that folks chase down a wall with nothing on it. There’s a log. It’s there. It’s been there for years.”
Johnson additionally stated he has by no means seen the present room that the OIG referred to.
“I don’t suppose there’s a room, [but] if individuals need a tour of this room, I’ll join as a result of I’ve by no means been to it myself,” he stated.
