Politics 101 with David Orr: A Reform for Illinois Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Politics 101 with David Orr: How City Hall Obstructs Ethics Investigations Apr 21, 2025

Show notes

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.

Politics 101 with David Orr: Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Commissioner Cam Davis Mar 05, 2025

Show notes

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 | Insider

Cam Davis's website

MWRD website

Politics 101 with David Orr: Inspector General Deborah Witzburg Sep 13, 2024

Show notes

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/.

Politics 101 with David Orr: Alderman Matt Martin & RFI's Alisa Kaplan Jun 21, 2024

Show notes

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.

A Conversation with Ari Berman Jun 10, 2024

Show notes

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.

Politics 101 with David Orr: Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky talks November Election and more! Apr 04, 2024

Show notes

Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky discusses the Federal Budget, Medicaid, and more on the latest episode of Good Government Illinois' podcast, "Politics 101 with David Orr."

Politics 101 with David Orr: Board of Review Commissioner Samantha Steele Feb 09, 2024

Show notes

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."

Politics 101 with David Orr: Mayor Lori Lightfoot & Reform for Illinois' Alisa Kaplan Jan 19, 2024

Show notes

Mayor Lori Lightfoot & Alisa Kaplan join David to talk about Ald. Ed Burke, ethics reform, city council, and affordable housing.

Remembering Harold Washington: A special edition of Politics 101 with LWC Chicago President, Jane Ruby Nov 28, 2023

Show notes

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.

Politics 101 with David Orr: Alderpersons Michael Rodriguez and Scott Waguespack Sep 13, 2023

Show notes

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.