January 25, 2010
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News: Chicago's Mayor Defends School Spending
A Chicago Tribune probe into the spending habits and possible abuse of the city's two previous School Board Presidents, Rufus Williams and Michael Scott, left the Chicago's mayor on the defensive. Chicago's Mayor Richard Daley would not acknowledge that either of the two presidents abused the school district's credit card, however, he did state that he is concerned about taxpayers' money. The Tribune reported that both Williams and Scott allegedly used the district's credit card to pay for thousands of dollars for dining, unnecessary travel, gifts, and artwork. When questioned about the allegations, Daley said he was waiting for the results of two internal investigations into the alleged misuse of the credit cards.
When questioned, Williams told the Chicago Tribune that all of his credit card spending was appropriately related to the school district and students. Mayor Daley's close friend, Michael Scott, passed away on November 16, 2009, before the Inspector General was able to question him regarding the allegations. According to reports, Scott died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound and did not leave a suicide note. Scott's reason for taking his own life has not been determined by the authorities nor is there any suggestion that it is related to the credit card abuse allegations. An investigation looking into the spending of school board members was launched by James Sullivan, the Chicago Schools Inspector General. The school board has hired their own legal representation to look into the matter on their behalf.
The school board's spending has been under scrutiny by the Chicago Teacher's Union who has criticized the use of two vehicles being funded by taxpayers' money. The excessive and extravagant spending is of concern to the Teacher's Union because the district has been cutting expenses by eliminating programs and laying off teachers and staff. The report also noted that the district credit card statement showed a $2,500 donation to Mayor Daley's 2016 Summer Olympic bid committee; $5,300 to purchase artwork from the Gallery Guichard; and several fine dining transactions. Under the heat of fire resulting from the Tribune's story questioning the use of the vehicles and the impending investigation by the Inspector General, Ron Huberman, returned the vehicles to the leasing company.