Sunday, April 26, 2009

Daley suggests Stroger explain patronage scandal

Clout St:
Mayor Richard Daley weighed in on the patronage scandal surrounding Cook County Board President Todd Stroger today, suggesting his ally should explain himself to the public.

"He has to speak on behalf of himself. I've known the family for many, many years," Daley said after a peace rally. "He has to get out there and be able to explain that to everyone in Cook County."

(When it's come to his own administration, Daley has not followed his own advice. The mayor has not detailed numerous City Hall hiring scandals over the years when pressed by reporters.)
...
Stroger fired Cole earlier this month when he said he first learned Cole did not report a prior conviction on his job application. Then Stroger dumped Dunnings, saying it would be tough for her to do the job because Cole might make unspecified "explosive" allegations against her.

On Thursday, Stroger maintained he has given consistent answers about the Cole case, even as new information cast doubt on his administration's version of events.

Stroger aides said they got an FBI report Nov. 20 that showed Cole lied about at least two previous criminal convictions on his application, meaning the administration should have known months before Cole was fired. And Illinois State Police, who Stroger sought to blame for a delay in a background check, said they mailed a final background check on Cole to the county on Dec. 20. Stroger aides said it might have been "lost in the mail."

County commissioners pressed Stroger to clear the air on what they said were inconsistencies in Stroger's story.

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