Inside Chicago Government

Latest Episodes:

1/21/10: "Cook County Needs Cojones" Jan 24, 2010

Show notes

The scripting of Joint Board of Review meetings; one the greatest public-policy debacles of the decade; and how Ben swallowed his objections to Toni Preckwinkle. Length 8.8 minutes.

1/14/10: "Who'll Keep Your Rent Down Now?" Jan 15, 2010

Show notes

How County Assessor Houlihan orchestrated the homeowners' exemption to property taxes; the city's "drain argument" to justify tax-increment financing; and why city officials won't debate Ben on the radio. Length 9.4 minutes.

1/7/10: "Independent of What?" Jan 08, 2010

Show notes

How the Independent Voters of Illinois organization gets its message out; the influence of candidate endorsements; and how the Democratic Party could take over Green Party candidacies. Length 7.1 minutes.

12/31/09: "Who Deserves to Be Disqualified?" Jan 05, 2010

Show notes

Why the Chicago Board of Elections considers the nominating process fair; the nature of political influence on the Board of Elections; and whether the nominating process holds challengers to a higher standard. Length 8 minutes.

12/17/09: "It Doesn't Take Much to Be a Maverick" Dec 18, 2009

Show notes

How to access the City Council's live video stream; what made Ald. Allen an outspoken critic; and the illusion of Mayor Daley's power over aldermen. Length 9 minutes.

12/10/09: "Shedding Light on the Shadow Budget" Dec 10, 2009

Show notes

When logic fails in figuring how the city apportions TIF revenues; the three factors blinding South- and West-Side aldermen; and how City Council members get the bum's rush on fiscal votes. Length 9.3 minutes.

11/26/09: "The Insider" Nov 29, 2009

Show notes

Michael Scott as divine intervention; Chicago's unique obstacles to kids getting into neighborhood schools; and, politically, the most important institution for blacks on the West and South Sides. Length 8 minutes.

11/19/09: "Transparency in Action" Nov 19, 2009

Show notes

Why Oak Park Senator Harmon might carry water for Mayor Daley; when well-meaning public advocates go over to the TIF dark side; and why the county treasurer can't implement the county clerk's TIF-o-meter. Length 6 minutes.

11/5/09: "October Surprise" Nov 05, 2009

Show notes

Unpacking a sample property-tax bill; how Cook County overtaxes its suburban residents to pay Chicago; and Chicago newspapers start reporting the tax-increase aspect of tax-increment financing. Length 7.3 minutes.

10/29/09: "Clout on the Calumet River" Oct 29, 2009

Show notes

A profile of the Southeast Side; whether taxes should fund property buy-outs; and helping communities economically by closing businesses. Length 8.6 minutes.

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