Trenches of Democracy

Excerpts from the second semi-annual report by Shakman Compliance Administrator (CA) Julia M. Nowicki:

G. Qualified Applicants Passed Over in Favor of Politically Connected Candidate… Continued

In another claim, claimant applied for a supervisory position in a small County department and received an offer. When he did not hear back from HR about his start date, he was told to resubmit his application. He reapplied for the same position was again given an offer. When he did not receive a start date for the second time, claimant called HR and was told “a personal lieutenant to President Stroger blocked (claimant’s) application.” The position was subsequently filled by an allegedly politically connected individual.

Another claimant was hired by the County in the 19705 and worked his way up through every non-supervisory position within his expertise and was recommended for a vacant supervisory position on several occasions. This important supervisory position involves planning, formulating, executing and supervising the activities and operations of over 250 employees and oversees a budget in excess of several million dollars.

Despite his qualifications, claimant did not receive the promotion. The position was filled by an individual connected to an Alderman. The promoted individual does not have the required experience and does not appear to have the required B.S. degree:in a related field. College courses appearing on the hired individual’s application were in the Fine Arts, a field unrelated to the position.

To be continued…

You can read the full Shakman report here.

Tags: Cook County, Nowicki, Patronage, Shakman, Stroger

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