Andy Shaw

35 former Chicago aldermen have been nailed for corruption since 1973.

From time to time the BGA will circle back to previous investigations to see if, and how, government responded. The findings in this first “Rewind” column are mixed.

Governor Quinn recently called for a ban on “conflict of interest voting.” This, unfortunately, is just another well-intentioned baby step.

County treasurer helps property owners understand how they’re getting burned by government bloat and soaring taxes.

Illinois is home to more than 300 separate taxpayer supported boards and commissions, many of them costly and of dubious value. It’s a poster child for government excess — watchers watching watchers — that should have been streamlined years ago.

Mayor Emanuel is undermining his own reform claims by defending the awarding of a $99.4 million cleaning contract at O’Hare Airport to a local executive with a history of alleged mob ties. Turns out the mob angle is only one troubling aspect of the deal.

Illinois government is steaming toward a fiscal iceberg, and the ship of state easily could sink if our political captains don’t turn the wheel immediately.

Springfield’s lame duck legislators should step up and demand a vigorous debate and a vote on some version of pension reform.

Watchdogs make New Year’s resolutions too, so here’s how the BGA can shine a brighter light on government and hold public officials more accountable in 2013.

Jimmie Alford’s invaluable assistance helped the BGA re-establish prominence as a watchdog with scope and impact.