Beginning days after President Obama took office, calls for government transparency are everywhere (I realize Mr. Obama did not invent transparency and that there were watchdog groups and transparency advocates before, but things surely have intensified in the last six months.) Something is announced somewhere every day. Two of the newest transparency sightings in Chicago:
The Chicago Tribune, in as much financial trouble as the next newspaper, has re-branded itself recently. Adjusting to reduced staff and to the new demands of an engaged public, the paper has titled itself the “Watchdog - On Guard for Chicago“. Their new section online - Your Government In Secret (government watchdog staff pictured), focuses on FOIA findings, and their new Sunshine Online blog tracks daily stories, ideas, or discussions of transparency.
Across town, The Sun-Times published a story today about the Chicago Transportation Authority and their seemingly-ironic use of company cars for their employees. While many of the employees with cars seem to be justified, the issue is being looked into by CTA president Richard Rodriguez.
Even if only one or two cars of the 68 are found to be unnecessary and revoked, that is still $30,000 - $50,000 that the city may be able to recoup, in addition to insurance, maintenance and gas expenses. With daily announcements of budget shortfalls and layoffs around the country, the nation’s growing appetite for transparency is one thing in our corner.