Chicago Inspector General Deborah Witzburg recently made headlines by saying her office has faced interference from the City’s Law Department, making it harder to investigate potential ethics violations. An ordinance designed to fix the problem was stalled by an ally of Mayor Johnson.In our new episode of Politics 101, IG Witzburg joins David and Alisa to delve into the details of City Hall's "obstructive" practices, discuss the “brick walls” slowing ethics reform in Chicago, and reflect on whether she wants another term as the city's top watchdog.
In our latest Politics 101 episode, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Commissioner Cameron "Cam" Davis joins David and Alisa to discuss MWRD's vital role in protecting the environment, how federal funding cuts could affect public health, his experience as President Obama's "Great Lakes Czar," and more.Episode notes: MWRD video that David mentioned: How Chicago Cleans 1.4 Billion Gallons Of Wastewater Every Day | Deep Cleaned | InsiderCam Davis's websiteMWRD website
Chicago Inspector General Deborah Witzburg is charged with enforcing ethics rules in the most famously corrupt city in America.In our newest Politics 101 episode, she discusses her biggest challenges to strong ethics enforcement (it might not be what you think), why her office has done so many more investigations than her predecessors', the city's progress on police reform, and what the Supreme Court's ruling weakening federal corruption laws might mean for Chicago and the state.She also touches on every Chicagoan's favorite subject - that pesky parking meter deal - and why you should be even angrier about it than you were before.UPDATED 9/25: Inspector General Witzburg referenced a forthcoming campaign finance report in our podcast episode. On 9/24, OIG released an explainer about Chicago's current campaign finance laws and potential opportunities for reform. That explainer is available here: https://igchicago.org/publications/campaign-finance-rules-explainer/.
47th Ward Alderman Matt Martin Reform for Illinois' Executive Director Alisa Kaplan discuss the municipal public campaign finance ordinance introduced into city council and the importance of this reform on the inaugural episode of the new "Politics 101 with David Orr", now part of the Reform for Illinois family.
David Orr & RFI Executive Director, Alisa Kaplan are joined by journalist and voting rights expert Ari Berman for a timely conversation on threats to democracy and how to combat them.
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky discusses the Federal Budget, Medicaid, and more on the latest episode of Good Government Illinois' podcast, "Politics 101 with David Orr."
Commissioner Samantha Steele discussed issues of ethics and efficiency at the Cook County Board of Review on the latest episode of Good Government Illinois' podcast, "Politics 101 with David Orr."
Mayor Lori Lightfoot & Alisa Kaplan join David to talk about Ald. Ed Burke, ethics reform, city council, and affordable housing.
In a special edition of Good Government Illinois podcast "Politics 101 with David Orr" with League of Women Voters Chicago, David will be in conversation with Jane Ruby, President of LWV Chicago.In this episode, David and Jane discuss Harold Washington’s legacy, and viewers will get to hear some wonderful anecdotes from David about his friend and colleague.
Alderpersons Michael Rodriguez and Scott Waguespack join David to talk about the city's migrant situation, the push for a tipped worker minimum wage, and an update on affordable housing developments in the 22nd and 32nd wards.
David Orr and featured guest Abe Scarr, Director of Illinois PIRG, discuss the corruption, bad practices, and politics in the Illinois utilities industry, as well as how we got the current system.
In the sixth episode on the 2023 Chicago municipal elections, David Orr discusses how Mayor-Elect Brandon Johnson can optimize his budget with CTBA Executive Director and Arthur Rubloff Endowed Professor of Public Policy at Roosevelt University Ralph Martire.
In the fifth episode on the 2023 Chicago Municipal Elections, David Orr discusses a multitude of topics with featured guest Alderwoman-Elect Jeylú Gutiérrez.
In the fourth episode focusing on the 2023 Chicago Municipal Elections, David Orr discusses the outcome of the first round of elections, as well as what to expect in the run-offs, with Political Consultants Delmarie Cobb and Dan Cohen.
In the third episode focusing on the Chicago 2023 Municipal Elections, David Orr discusses the historical political context around the election with former Alderman, author, and UIC Professor Dick Simpson.
In the second episode focusing on the 2023 Chicago Municipal Elections, David Orr discusses a variety of topics with special guest Alderwoman Maria Hadden.
David Orr discusses the upcoming Chicago municipal elections with Alderman Scott Waguespack in the first part of a series focusing on the municipal elections.
David Orr discusses a multitude of issues, including the new Democratic leadership in the House of Representatives, with Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky.