Chicago sleaze update: Guests asked to write checks to retiring alderman

When reporting about a Cook County official who received cash gifts from her employees on her birthday, I mentioned that my grandfather, a City of Chicago employee, was forced to honor the birthday of some union big shot in the same fashion.

I'm sure this shameful tradition is widespread in Chicago.

But the Chicago Tribune is reporting that it goes beyond birthdays.

The heir apparent to powerful Ald. William J.P. Banks (36th) is throwing a $200-a-ticket retirement party for the outgoing City Council zoning boss and asking everyone who attends to make the checks out to Banks personally.

"We're going to buy him a gift," said John Rice, Banks' driver and would-be successor. "Thirty-two years of service to the city and to the community -- I think he deserves a retirement party. That's why I decided to throw it."

Bank hasn't turned in his resignation, and that means he is still the zoning committee chairman, arguably the second-most powerful committee within the Chicago City Council.

The "gift tradition" needs to be retired.

Expect President Obama, who regularly criticizes corruption in Africa, to denounce Banks' retirement party.

After all, it's taking place in Obama's hometown.

Banks is the Democratic committeeman of Chicago's 36th Ward.

UPDATE August 12: The Chicago Tribune is reporting that Banks's bye-bye bash has been cancelled.

Related post:

Illinois corruption update: Pol accepted "birthday gifts"

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