RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the City of Chicago is a home rule unit of government pursuant to the 1970 Illinois Constitution, Article VII, Section 6(a); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to its home rule power, the City of Chicago may exercise any power and perform any function relating to its government and affairs including the power to regulate for the protection of the public health, safety, morals and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the right to vote for residents of the United States of America is protected by the U.S. Constitution and other federal and state laws; and
WHEREAS, Illinois state law prohibits the selling of one's vote for a promise of employment or for any gift or loan of money or other valuable consideration and mandates that a violation of this law shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony; and
WHEREAS, Illinois state law also makes it a Class 4 felony to knowingly give or promise to give money to any other person to influence such other person to vote or to register to vote or to influence such other person to vote for or against any candidate; and
WHEREAS, on July 22,2018, Willie Wilson, a candidate for the office of Mayor of the City of Chicago, held an event at the new Covenant Baptist Church where he gave away $300,000 to "assist struggling homeowners to pay their staggering tax bills in Chicago;" and
WHERAS, Governor Bruce Rauner has given Willie Wilson $200,000 over the past few years to help "struggling families pay their property tax bills;" and
WHEREAS, Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner, who is also seeking re-election as Governor, was in attendance at this event and addressed the congregation stating that "We're proud to help you pay your property taxes;" and
WHEREAS, after Willie Wilson and Governor Rauner finished their speeches, Willie Wilson gave out cash and checks to the attendees; and
WHEREAS, allegations of violations of Illinois Election laws and criticism of his lack of ethics for participating in this "cash giveaway event" have been raised by the media and the political opponents of Governor Rauner; and
WHEREAS, since Governor Rauner has run as an anti-corruption crusader, often accusing others of play to play politics, Governor Rauner now insists that he had no idea that Willie Wilson was handing out cash to members of the congregation, despite the fact that the "cash give away" language appeared in the press release for this event; and
WHEREAS, Wilson's spokesperson, Scott Winslow, is quoted as stating that this is not the first time Rauner has attended an event in which Wilson has handed out cash and checks; and
WHEREAS, Governor Rauner and Willie Wilson seem to have a great disregard for our State's Election laws and it is imperative that all residents of Illinois know the truth behind these "cash giveaways; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of Chicago urges the Cook County State's Attorney and the U.S. Attorney's Office to investigate the allegations of "cash giveaways" by giving out checks and cash to prospective voters at the New Covenant Baptist Church; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council of Chicago urges the Illinois State Board of Elections and the Chicago Board of Elections to conduct a thorough investigation into this "cash giveaway" event to the voters of Chicago.
Alderman, Ward Alderman, Ward
Alderman, Ward
Chicago City Council Co-Sponsor Form
Document No.: R2018 - 834
Subject: Investigate "cash giveaways" to voters
Adding Co-SnonsoKsl
Please ADD Co-Sponsor(s) Shown.Below - (Principal' Sponsor 's.Conxenf Required)
(Signature)
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( Ward)
Principal Sponsor:
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Alderman. A-.-, ¦- ¦ : ( Ward)
(Signature)
Date Filed: 7.31.18
Final Copies to be filed with:
Chairman of Committee to which Legislation was referred
City Clerk
o-Spoiisor Form OCC 9.2016