BGA2014AnnualReport Investigations.Litigation. Advocacy.Engagement. WatchdogTraining.News. Results.Impact.Reform. Fairness.Accountability. Integrity.Transparency. Honesty.Efficiency. TableofContents 2 President & CEO Letter 3 Mission and History 4 BGA by the Numbers 5 Top Ten Investigations and Results 1 Better Government Association 10 Awards and Recognition 15 Policy Unit 18 Civic Engagment 19 Candid Conversations with Rahm and Bruce 2014 Annual Report 22 29 Shining a Light on Springfield Staff and Interns 23 30 Watson the Watchdog Board of Directors 24 33 BGA Events 2014 Donors 28 47 2014 Financials Media Partners DearFriendsandSupporters Looking back on 2014, it was definitely one for the record books. In the five short years our current leadership team has carried out the BGA mission, we’ve published 372 investigations, prompting more than 100 reforms. We’ve also engaged 10,000 citizens and saved taxpayers an estimated $50 million dollars. This past year, we investigated and exposed government waste, fraud, mismanagement, inefficiency and corruption at all levels of Illinois government, including the Illinois activities of our congressional delegation. We saw tangible reforms as a direct result of our efforts, like Mayor Rahm Emanuel pledging to ensure a more open and accountable privatization process to safeguard Chicagoans. BGA’s watchdog work also garnered national attention with a prestigious journalism award. The Scripps Howard Award named the BGA’s work on First Amendment issues as the best in the country. I couldn’t be prouder of the BGA’s talented and dedicated staff. With results like that, we give ourselves a quick pat on the back, but there’s no rest for the watchdogs. We’re dedicated to actively living out our mission of shining a light on government and holding public officials accountable. All of this could not have been possible without your generous support. Thanks to each of you who contributes your time and money to support us. Together, let’s continue to shine an even brighter light on government and help make good government a reality. We need it now more than ever. Your Watchdog ashaw@bettergov.org 2 Better Government Association 2014 Annual Report BGA’sMissionandHistory Mission: The Better Government Association is a watchdog, shining a light on government and holding public officials accountable. The Better Government Association (BGA) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit civic watchdog organization that works for government reform—transparency, accountability, honesty and efficiency—through investigative journalism, civic engagement and public policy advocacy. History: The BGA’s history goes back to 1923, when a small group of clergymen, lawyers and businessmen created the organization to fight corruption in government. The founders believed that “public officials under close scrutiny would serve the public better; that the best voter was an informed one, and the best citizen was an involved one.” Today the BGA fights for better government in a variety of ways: Investigations expose waste, fraud, corruption and bad public policies in government; Idea Forums and Watchdog Trainings educate and engage the public; and BGA advocacy campaigns work toward the reforms that improve government. Over the past five years, the BGA has experienced a tremendous revitalization. The staff has grown from two to 20 full and part-time employees, and the budget has expanded from $300,000 to more than $2.6 million. The organization has gone beyond exposing problems to proposing solutions and advocating reforms. The BGA is now a full-service watchdog organization that’s laid the foundation for real reform. This watchdog work is making a difference. We’re seeing real and measurable progress. With your help, we can make an even bigger impact. Together we can bring better government to Illinois. 3 Better Government Association 2014 Annual Report BGAbyTheNumbers 372 Investigations 116 Reforms/Results $50 Million Taxpayer Savings 10,000 Citizens Engaged 7 Spotlights On Good Government 20 Journalism Awards 4 Better Government Association 2014 Annual Report InvestigationsandResults Since 2009, the BGA has produced almost 400 investigations of waste, fraud, corruption and mismanagement of government in Illinois. In recent years, BGA’s watchdog work has prompted more than 100 results and reforms that will save taxpayers an estimated $50 million. 5 Better Government Association 2014 Annual Report TopTenInvestigations Since 2009, the BGA has produced almost 400 investigations of waste, fraud, corruption and mismanagement of government in Illinois. Here’s a look at the top ten investigations of 2014: The ABCs Of UNO. January 2014. BGA and Chicago magazine investigate how the United Neighborhood Organization used clout to grow from a small Latino community group into a multi-million-dollar enterprise subsidized by taxpayers—and how old-school politics might be its undoing. Beyond Burge. April 2014. Chicago spends more than half a billion dollars on police misconduct-related claims over the past decade or so—and only a fraction of the payouts involve ex-police Cmdr. Jon Burge. 6 Better Government Association 2014 Annual Report TopTenInvestigations Cashing In On Congressional Connections. May 2014. A retired Illinois congressman is getting rich working for special interests that once sought his help in the U.S. House—and he’s not the only member of his family getting paid. Oil And Water. June 2014. BP has a history of environmental violations at its refinery on Lake Michigan but wasn’t penalized by regulators. A recent oil spill raises new questions about oversight and drinking water safety. What’s Buried On The Lucas Museum Site? August 2014. A BGA investigation uncovers environmental problems beneath the proposed site of the Lucas Museum. Taxpayers Beware Of Suburban Pension Peril. August 2014. Money in dozens of Chicago-area police and fire pension funds is drying up—which should be a big worry not only for current and future retirees, but taxpayers, a BGA Rescuing Illinois investigation discovers. Obama Aide, Daley Pal Cash In On Chicago FBI Building Project. September 2014. Clout-heavy landlords—including a future member of the Obama cabinet—make big money from taxpayers by building and leasing the FBI’s new Chicago headquarters. Why didn’t the feds just build the structure themselves? Illinois Public Hospitals Pay $180 Million In Wrongful Death Cases. October 2014. BGA investigators find payments range from tens of thousands to multi-million dollar settlements in 184 cases. Poshard, The Prince Of Pensions. November 2014. BGA investigators reveal a Rauner advisor and former Congressman Glenn Poshard is collecting over $200,000 a year from four taxpayer-funded pensions. Banking On Bankruptcy? December 2014. Debt-burdened local governments explore the option of going to court to cut, reorganize and dump their financial obligations, according to a BGA Rescuing Illinois report. 7 Better Government Association 2014 Annual Report TopTenResults In recent years, BGA’s watchdog work has prompted more than 100 results and reforms that will save taxpayers an estimated $50 million. Here’s a look at the top ten results of 2014: Pension Review Promised. January 2014. After the BGA and Crain’s Chicago Business raise questions about a member of the CTA retirement fund soliciting charitable donations from financial firms working for the pension agency, the Regional Transportation Authority and the CTA retirement fund pledge a review to see whether rules or laws were violated. Dorothy Brown, Feeling Heat. March 2014.
A BGA/FOX 32 investigation prompts the Cook County inspector general to launch an investigation into a land deal involving a wealthy campaign donor who gave a $100,000 parcel to the husband of Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown. City Pledges More Paramedics. April 2014.
After the BGA and CBS2 broadcast a series of stories on Chicago’s aging and otherwise stressed ambulance fleet, the Emanuel administration proposes hiring more paramedics and adding trauma-ready ambulances to the streets. 8 Better Government Association 2014 Annual Report TopTenResults Governor Signs “Smart Streamlining” Bill. August 2014. Gov. Quinn signs a bill supported by the BGA that makes it legal to eliminate some unnecessary units of government. Video Released, Cop Put On Leave. September 2014. After the BGA pushes for answers, the Village of Lynwood releases video of an officer allegedly beating a handcuffed suspect at the police station and puts the officer on leave pending possible discipline. BGA Lawsuits Force Transparency And Accountability. October 2014.
The BGA obtains public information by taking legal action when government agencies fail to comply with open record laws. 2014 lawsuits include: Chicago Public Schools, Chicago Police Department, Navy Pier, Chicago Animal Care and Control and the Illinois High School Association. Shakeup At IDOT. October 2014.
After the BGA exposes improper hiring practices at the Illinois Department of Transportation, a federal judge agrees to appoint a “monitor” to investigate and oversee hiring, the head of the agency resigns and dozens of state employees are fired. Congressional Investigators Not Done With Bobby Rush. December 2014. The U.S. House Ethics Committee reveals it is continuing an investigation of U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.), focusing on BGA/Chicago Sun-Times disclosures that his campaign committee received free office space for years. Swift Action Defeats Major Assault On FOIA. December 2014.
Several groups, including the BGA, fight back legislation that would have significantly weakened the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, the state’s public records law. Mayor Emanuel Vows To Introduce Privatization Ordinance. December 2014.
The mayor’s pledge comes after the BGA questions why another proposed ordinance languishes in a City Council committee. The BGA favors a more open and accountable privatization process that safeguards Chicagoans against another fiasco like the parking meter deal. 9 Better Government Association 2014 Annual Report BGAAwardsandRecognition The BGA is proud to report that its investigations and watchdog efforts have been honored with dozens of national and local awards in recent years. In 2014 the BGA won 14 awards. 10 Better Government Association 2014 Annual Report BGAAwardsandRecognition 2013 Scripps Howard Foundation Edward Willis Scripps Award BGA staff won this prestigious award for distinguished service to the First Amendment  for a body of work that has fostered open communication for 90 years. The award honored the BGA as the best work in the communications industry and journalism education in 2013. Silver Dome Award – Illinois Broadcasters Association  Protect And Served? An investigation by the BGA’s Patrick Rehkamp and NBC 5 found police union contracts in Illinois routinely allow officers to come to work with alcohol in their systems. The story (which prompted a follow-up investigation on firefighters with similar union clauses) led Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White to propose a change in state law. Herman Kogan Media Award – Chicago Bar Association  Disorder In The Bureaucracy Of The Courts  The series by BGA investigators Patrick McCraney and Patrick Rehkamp along with Dane Placko of FOX 32 detailed a number of problems with the Cook County Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown’s office and questions about her finances. Chicago Journalists Association Award A Rush Of Financial Questions­­ A months-long BGA/Chicago Sun-Times investigation of U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.) is raising serious questions about his personal and professional finances—and whose interests are really being served by him in Congress. This investigation by Chuck Neubauer and Sandy Bergo is part of the BGA’s commitment to expanding its scope and impact from Chicago and Cook County to the collar counties, Springfield, Downstate and, now, our elected representatives in Washington, D.C. 11 Better Government Association 2014 Annual Report BGAAwardsandRecognition Chicago Journalists Association Award Cashing In On Congressional Connections The BGA’s Sandy Bergo and Chuck Neubauer investigated a retired Illinois congressman getting rich working for special interests that once sought his help in the U.S. House—and found he’s not the only member of his family getting paid. Chicago Journalists Association Award The ABCs Of UNO­ With help from Chicago magazine, the BGA looked at how the United Neighborhood Organization used clout to grow from a small Latino community group into a multi-million-dollar enterprise subsidized by taxpayers—and how old-school politics might be its undoing. Illinois Associated Press Broadcasters Award Protect And Served? An investigation by the BGA’s Patrick Rehkamp and NBC 5 found police union contracts in Illinois routinely allow officers to come to work with alcohol in their systems. The story (which prompted a follow-up investigation on firefighters with similar union clauses) led Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White to propose a change in state law. Peter Lisagor Award A Rush Of Financial Questions A months-long BGA/Chicago Sun-Times investigation of U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.) is raising serious questions about his personal and professional finances—and whose interests are really being served by him in Congress. This investigation by Chuck Neubauer and Sandy Bergo is part of the BGA’s commitment to expanding its scope and impact from Chicago and Cook County to the collar counties, Springfield, Downstate and, now, our elected representatives in Washington, D.C. 12 Better Government Association 2014 Annual Report BGAAwardsandRecognition Peter Lisagor Award Lawmakers Gone Wild An exclusive investigation by the BGA and Chicago magazine’s David Bernstein reveals how Illinois politicians are living large on their campaigns’ dime. Peter Lisagor Award Pilfered Pills At County Pharmacy? The BGA’s Patrick Rehkamp and Pam Zekman of CBS 2 find Cook County’s government-run pharmacies have been so badly managed, the DEA was brought in to help straighten them out. Peter Lisagor Award Globetrotting Principal Grounded BGA Editor of Investigations Robert Herguth and FOX 32’s Dane Placko find an administrator at a Gold Coast school is “reassigned” after internal investigation prompted by a BGA report confirms inappropriate out-of-town spending with taxpayer money. Peter Lisagor Award Trouble In The Courts The BGA teams up with FOX 32 to investigate Cook County Recorder of Deeds Karen Yarbrough allegedly thumbing her nose at rules designed to limit political hiring. 13 Better Government Association 2014 Annual Report BGAAwardsandRecognition Peter Lisagor Award Down The YouTube Following an inquiry by BGA Editor of Investigations Robert Herguth and NBC 5, transit agency Pace cracks down on employees accessing videos at work. Why aren’t other public agencies doing more to police web activity? Peter Lisagor Award Rescuing Illinois: Government Surplus A BGA Rescuing Illinois investigation by Kari Lydersen explores the glut of closed public facilities and why they are becoming a strain on communities statewide. 14 Better Government Association 2014 Annual Report PolicyUnit The BGA Policy Unit advocates for a more open, accountable and efficient government through public policy reforms. The Policy Unit works to protect and strengthen open government in Illinois and to propose policy solutions to prevent corruption, inefficiency and waste in government. 15 Better Government Association 2014 Annual Report PolicyUnit The BGA policy team scored a major victory by leading an effort to defeat legislation that threatened to greatly damage the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), the state’s top disclosure law. That was just one of the BGA Policy Unit’s 2014 accomplishments. The BGA’s legal and policy team reviewed SB 2799, a bill that was floated during the closing days of the Illinois General Assembly’s spring session, and found it was poorly drafted, would cause confusion regarding FOIA requests and threatened to hurt the disclosure process for everyone involved. However, SB 2799 was also backed by some of the state’s most powerful politicians and interest groups. Determined to stop this bad FOIA effort in its tracks, the BGA aligned with other opponents including the Office of the Attorney General and consumer, legal and public interest groups fighting its passage. The bill died in committee. Defending, improving and modernizing FOIA and other transparency laws is one of the policy team’s major priorities and this bill’s defeat was an important victory. The BGA policy team made other important strides in 2014, including: • Smart streamlining law. The BGA continued efforts to reduce the number of units of government throughout Illinois, which has nearly 7,000—the most of any state. In August, Gov. Pat Quinn signed a bill that makes it legal to eliminate some unnecessary units of government. The measure was sponsored by Rep. Jack Franks (D-Marengo) and supported by the BGA. 16 Better Government Association 2014 Annual Report PolicyUnit • Advancing the City of Chicago’s privatization bill. After languishing for nearly two years in the Chicago City Council’s Rules Committee, the Privatization Transparency and Accountability Ordinance was moved to the City Council’s Workforce Development and Audit Committee. • Tighter Alcohol Controls for Cops. Following a BGA/NBC 5 report that found some Chicago-area police departments allow officers to work with high levels of alcohol in their system, the BGA policy team worked with the Illinois Secretary of State’s office to have a state law enforcement agency recommend a standardized policy that would limit the acceptable blood-alcohol content level to 0.02 statewide for on-duty personnel. The BGA policy team continues to fight for wrongful conviction reforms, oppose public pension abuse, back election reforms and advance ethics legislation that will battle public corruption and make public officials more accountable to the people. Moreover, hundreds of people attended the BGA policy team’s Idea Forums, which are dedicated to exploring and explaining major public interest topics of the day including the proposed Lucas Museum in Chicago, the impact of charter schools, the question of term limits along with a highly-attended streamlining forum in Springfield. The policy team also wrote three “BGA Good Government Spotlights,” which highlight examples of when government gets it right. The most popular spotlight was a June feature on the resurgence of Chicago’s Lindblom High School in the Englewood neighborhood, which attracted widespread attention and over 2,500 Facebook “likes.” Also in 2014, the BGA was happy to have Judy Stevens, a longtime public policy expert, join the team as our policy coordinator. 17 Better Government Association 2014 Annual Report CivicEngagment Citizen Watchdog Training March: Chicago May: Hyde Park, Chicago June: Skokie September: Elgin 18 Better Government Association Watchdogs of Education February: Little Village (with Catalyst magazine) February: Near South Side (with Chicago Urban League and Catalyst magazine) March: Kenwood (with News Literacy Project) March: Pilsen (with News Literacy Project) March: Belmont Cragin (with Catalyst magazine) 2014 Annual Report FOIA Clinics January: DePaul University, Chicago April: DePaul University, Chicago July: DePaul University, Chicago BGA Idea Forums February: Smart Streamlining, DuPage County April: Term Limits, Chicago May: Smart Streamlining, DuPage County November: What’s the Force Behind the Lucas Museum?, Chicago CandidConversations In 2014 the BGA launched a new feature called Candid Conversations. BGA President and CEO Andy Shaw sits down for exclusive interviews with public officials on good government issues. The conversations are broadcast live online and available as videos at bettergov.org. Rahm, Reform & BGA, Chicago 19 Better Government Association 2014 Annual Report Bruce, Budget Blues and BGA, Springfield Rahm,Reform&BGA In an exclusive interview with BGA President and CEO Andy Shaw, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel touted his administration’s track record on ethics while acknowledging there’s more to accomplish on the reform front. The one-on-one interview in December at the Union League Club explored various good government issues, including: need for a privatization ordinance, increased government transparency, police accountability, tax increment financing, campaign finance as well as Emanuel’s leadership style. The mayor announced the Chicago Park District is now in compliance with the federal Shakman Decree, completing the work to free all branches of city government from federal oversight of hiring due to decades of rampant patronage. “Now, what you know is more important than who you know,” Emanuel said. “In the last three-and-a-half years, 20 Better Government Association 2014 Annual Report we’ve gotten something done that no one thought was possible in the city.” The mayor also strongly defended his use of tax increment financing proceeds as a redevelopment tool and his way of eliciting public feedback on major policy initiatives or projects. Bruce,BudgetBlues&BGA “The more we peel back the onion, the uglier it is.” That’s the metaphor then-Illinois Governor-elect Bruce Rauner used to describe the state budget crisis during a luncheon event in December 2014 hosted by the BGA’s Springfield Advisory Board. During the event, held at the Sangamo Club in Springfield, Rauner stated that years of mounting unpaid bills, “accounting shenanigans” and irresponsible borrowing contributed to a messy budget process and Illinois’ ongoing fiscal woes. The event was also carried live on News Talk 970 WMAY-AM, and about 150 people were in attendance. “Bruce, Budget Blues & BGA” is part of the BGA’s initiative to expand its advocacy and civic engagement efforts to the state’s capital. Key to that effort is the formation of the Advisory Board that includes leading Springfield-based civic, business and nonprofit leaders. 21 Better Government Association 2014 Annual Report Better Government Association ShiningaLightonSpringfield In 2014, the BGA continued its new focus on Springfield. The “Smart Streamlining” initiative was kicked off, which aligns with an efficiency effort in Sangamon County to create a more cost-effective local government. Early in the year, BGA President and CEO Andy Shaw met with Springfield leaders to assemble potential partners and ambassadors for the BGA’s Downstate efforts. In May, more than forty business and civic leaders joined the BGA in Springfield for a reception hosted by The Springfield Business Journal to explore ways to improve government efficiency. The BGA also hosted an Idea Forum later that month before a crowd of more than 50 guests at the Sangamo Club. The event featured a panel discussion moderated by Springfield radio personality Jim Leach of News Talk 970 WMAY-AM, which provided a live broadcast of the 90-minute event. In July, the BGA created a Springfield Advisory Board to provide guidance, support and resources to our Springfield 22 Better Government Association 2014 Annual Report watchdog operation. Advisory Board members include local civic and business leaders dedicated to shining a brighter light on taxpayer dollars flowing through the capitol and to hold our state officials accountable. WatsontheWatchdog At the Annual Luncheon on Oct. 14, the BGA introduced Watson the Watchdog—our new “watchdog in chief”—to a crowd of nearly 1,000 supporters. The BGA is proud to partner with PAWS Chicago for this important addition to our organization. Watson is an underdog who survived the streets of Chicago and escaped euthanasia, and the BGA is fighting for the underdogs across Illinois. “The underdogs in our society are the most susceptible prey to government corruption, fraud, waste and abuse. They’re the ones that suffer the most when programs intended for them don’t deliver on the promises made,” BGA Board member José Padilla said on stage. “These are the kind of individuals who can’t afford to have their tax dollars wasted, can’t afford to have their government programs disappoint them.” You’ll see Watson making the rounds sniffing out waste and fraud in government and putting corrupt public 23 Better Government Association 2014 Annual Report officials in the doghouse. “It’s a ‘ruff’ job, but someone’s got to do it,” said BGA President and CEO Andy Shaw. “Watson will help us spread the watchdog message and generate more support for the watchdog army we need to bring better government to Illinois.” Watson is watching…and so is the BGA. BGAEvents The BGA hosts three fundraising events a year. In the spring we honor the best investigative government reporting in the Midwest with the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting. The BGA’s Young Professionals Board hosts a summer comedy event. And each fall we celebrate the BGA’s progress with a luncheon for more than 1,000 people. 24 Better Government Association 2014 Annual Report BGAAnnualLuncheon October 14, 2014 The BGA’s 2014 Annual Luncheon was filled with watchdogs of all kinds. A crowd of 1,000 supporters and guests gathered to celebrate the BGA, hear a keynote conversation with David Gregory of NBC News, and honor Michael W. Ferro, Jr. and the Chicago Sun-Times. 25 Better Government Association 2014 Annual Report TheDriehausFoundationAwardsforInvestigativeReporting May 6, 2014 The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting honor excellence in governmentrelated investigative reporting in the Midwest. These Awards recognize the importance of investigative journalism in advancing the principles of democracy. Featured guests included Shawn Boburg, who reported First Place Award: “Chronic Crisis” Meg Kissinger, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 26 Better Government Association one of the most talked about investigations of the year—Gov. Chris Christie’s “Bridgegate” scandal—and award-winning journalist Jim Avila, who is the Senior National Correspondent at ABC News and White House correspondent for Fusion, the ABC/Univision joint venture launched in 2013. Second Place Award: “Small Claims…Big Injustice” Sandra Thrid Place Award: Chapman, William C. Ditton, Steve Rhodes, John Whalen, Michael Eckstein, “Backfire” John Diedrich and Raquel Rutledge, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel WTHR-TV 2014 Annual Report Honorable Mention: “Sweeping the Streets” Angela Caputo, Rui Kaneya, Matthew Kovac, Latricia Polk, Evan Moore, The Chicago Reporter Special Citation for body of work: Ross Jones, Ramon Rosario, Randy Lundquist, Johnny Sartin, Ann Mullen, WXYZ-TV SummerComedyEvent July 28, 2014 The BGA’s Young Professionals Board held its Third Annual Summer Comedy Event at the club Untitled in Chicago’s River North neighborhood on July 28. Chicago comedians Pat McGann and Jim Flannigan kept the crowd laughing as they kicked back in this Prohibition-era speakeasy. 27 Better Government Association 2014 Annual Report Finacials Income: $2.5 Million Expenses: $2.5 Million Events... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. 56% Investigations..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44% Major Donors.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .............................. 22% Policy. ............ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15% Foundations.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................. 13% Development. ..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14% Individual Members & Donors. . . . . . . . . . . ................................ 4% Administration. ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13% Other... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............................... 5% Communication & Media. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9% Civic Engagement.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5% 28 Better Government Association 2014 Annual Report StaffandInterns BGA Staff Andy Shaw President & CEO Robert Reed Director of Programming & Investigations Mary Frances O’Connor Director of Development & External Relations 29 Better Government Association Brett Chase Ernest Crowder Katie Drews Adeline Epstein Hilary Fosdal Alexandra Gilewicz Robert Herguth Alden Loury Patrick McCraney Patrick Rehkamp Kaitlyn Schauer Andrew Schroedter Stephanie Hardiman Simon Judy Stevens 2014 Annual Report 2014 Interns Ted Ballantine Esther Castillejo Megan Deppen Pauline Gebczak Elizabeth Greiwe Kelly Guest Michael Lombardo Elliane Mellet Patrick Reilly John Rooney Stephen Skleba Stephanie Wade BoardofDirectors Board of Directors Margaret Daley Hill Hammock Co-Chairs 30 Better Government Association Francis Beidler III Eric Berlin Jonathan C. Bunge Marta Carreira-Slabe Robert Carson Patrick Collins Pedro DeJesus Samuel Fifer Merri Jo Gillette Daniel L. Goodwin Jan Grayson Fran Grossman Ted Hawkins Hamilton H. Hill Scott Hodes David H. Hoffman Jenny Johnson Carroll Joynes Gary Kleinrichert 2014 Annual Report David Kohn Ludwig Kolman Robert Levin Lori E. Lightfoot Christina Martini Rosemary Matzl Steve Miller Jack Modzelewski Rachel Niewoehner Lawrence Oliver José Padilla Cheryl Pearson-McNeil Miles Ripley Heidi Rudolph Mark E. Rust G. Scott Solomon Juliet Sorensen Kristofer Swanson BGALeadership Life Trustees Howard Alper Seymour A. Cohen Granger Cook, Jr. E. David Coolidge III William Donnell Melvin Katten Jonathan Kovler James Ratcliffe 31 Better Government Association Civic Leadership E. David Coolidge III Melvin Katten Co-Chairs Dr. Byron Brazier Maree G. Bullock John A. Canning, Jr. Lester Crown John A. Edwardson Ronald J. Gidwitz Christie Hefner David Herro Michael L. Keiser Chris Kennedy Paul Levy William Lowry Joe Mansueto James N. Perry, Jr. J.B. Pritzker 2014 Annual Report John Rogers Arabel Alva Rosales Brenda Russell Harry J. Seigle Phyllis Tabachnick Laura Washington Springfield Advisory Board Marilyn Kushak Chair Cindy Davis Vice Chair Emily Becker Dan Cadigan Dr. Kevin Dorsey James Forstall Mike Lawrence Kip Leverton Victoria Ringer YoungProfessionalsBoard David Almeida Brooke Anderson Karl Barnickol John Paul Benitez Raechel Bimmerle Ana Bugan Jennifer Bushaw Amber Buycks Benjamin Cleveland David Cole, III Nicholas Colvin David Curkovic Andrew John Dixon Matthew Dornauer Yeny Estrada Jeff Golden Dave Hall Charles Harris Ryan Holst 32 Better Government Association Benn Hulse Kathy Josephson Justin Kay Nathan T. Kipp Jade Lambert Gina LaMonica Dan Lombard Matt Luzadder Christopher Lynch Emily Melvin Kristin Munsch Nicole Nocera Lauren Norris Clark Passino Kyle Petersen Sarah Pierce Monica Pinciak-Madden Jackie Pruitt Mack Reed 2014 Annual Report Philip Riley Cuyler Robinson Jamiko Rose Carrie Ruzicka Mike St. Martin Michelle Taylon Matthew Topic Jeremy Unruh Carrie Vos Bradley West Emily Wood Zachary Ziliak Donors Foundations Alfredo and Ada Capitanini Foundation Alphawood Foundation Bechily Hodes Family Foundation Carol Lavin Bernick Family Foundation Chomicz Family Foundation DRW Trading Group Foundation Edward and Rose Donnell Foundation Francis Beidler Foundation Francis Beidler III and Prudence R. Beidler Foundation Fred J. Brunner Foundation Hirsch-Schwartz Foundation 33 Better Government Association Illinois Tool Works Foundation J.B. and M.K. Pritzker Family Foundation Joseph & Bessie Feinberg Foundation Kirkland & Ellis Foundation Kovler Family Foundation M.R. Bauer Foundation Margaret S. & Philip D. Block Jr. Family Foundation McShane Family Foundation Michael and Suzanne Moskow Philanthropic Fund Mr. and Mrs. Michael Keiser Donor Advised Fund PERT Foundation Peter and Paula Fasseas Foundation 2014 Annual Report Polk Bros. Foundation Robert R. McCormick Foundation Sacks Family Foundation Samuel M. and Ann S. Mencoff Foundation Seigle Family Foundation Stein Family Charitable Fund Streska Family Foundation The Boeing Company Charitable Trust The Canning Foundation The Chicago Community Trust The David Herro Charitable Foundation The John R. Houlsby Foundation The Louise H. Landau Foundation The MacDougal Family Foundation The Richard H. Driehaus Charitable Lead Trust The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation The Robert D. & Phyllis A. Jaffee Family Foundation The Sun-Times Foundation United Conveyor Foundation Corporations and Law Firms ABC 7 Chicago Accurate Felt & Gasket Company Alper Services, LLC Aon Donors Ariel Investments, LLC ASGK Public Strategies, LLC AT&T Illinois Barnes & Thornburg LLP Bensinger, DuPont & Associates BMO Harris Bank CBS 2 Chicago CBS Radio Central Building & Preservation Chapman and Cutler LLP Chicago magazine Clifford Law Offices, P.C. Constellation Brands Beer Division Continental Envelope Crain’s Chicago Business Dentons US LLP 34 Better Government Association DePaul University DLA Piper LLP (US) Dover Corporation Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP Duff & Phelps Epiq Solutions Exelon Corporation EY FleishmanHillard Franczek Radelet P.C. Freeborn & Peters LLP FTI Consulting Gould & Ratner LLP Greater Chicago Chapter Association of Certified Fraud Examiners Greenberg Traurig, LLP Grisko Holland & Knight LLP 2014 Annual Report Illini Bank Illinois Association of Realtors Italian Village Restaurants ITW Jenner & Block Jones Day JPMorgan Chase & Co. Kirkland & Ellis LLP Kopon Airdo, LLC KPMG LLP Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Inc. Loevy & Loevy Attorneys at Law Loop Capital Markets, LLC Magellan Corporation Marc Realty LLC McGuireWoods LLP Mesirow Financial Michael Best & Friedrich LLP Midway Broadcasting Corp Navigant NBC 5 Chicago NBCUniversal Media, LLC Nielsen Northern Trust Northwestern University Perkins Coie LLP PwC Forensic Services Reed Smith LLP Schiff Hardin LLP Sidley Austin LLP Superior Ambulance Service Tampico Beverages, Inc. The Inland Real Estate Group of Companies, Inc. The John Buck Company Donors The PrivateBank Union League Club of Chicago Univision Management Company Urban Partnership Bank Varga Berger Ledsky Hayes & Casey Walgreens William Blair & Company Wirtz Corporation Individual Donors Wendy and Jim Abrams Joshua Ackerman Sergio Acosta Carolyn Adams Charles Adams Karin Adams 35 Better Government Association Catherine Adduci Patrick Agnew Ozlem Akcakoca Cleopatra Alexander Howard Alper Sharon Alter Jenny Ames Lazarre Tiffany Amlot Jeffrey Antonelli Susan Arnberg Peter Ascoli Barbara Auerbach Cameron S. Avery Ted Bachrach Barbara Badger and Robert Kudder Paul Baker Clem Balanoff David M. Bamlango 2014 Annual Report Lou Bank Patrick Barrett Bruce Barron George Barry Edward Bartunek Sheldon Baskin Gino Battaglia Laura Battigelli Warren Batts Robert H. Baum Emily Becker David Beeman Francis Beidler III Robert Beiser Norman J. Beles Brandon Bell Brian J. Berg Rachel Berger Sean Berkowitz Eric Berlin Arthur Berman Rudolph W. Bernath Harold Bernay Ira and Susan Bernstein Kyle Bieneman Nick Binotti Scott Birmingham Robert Black Leslie Blau Stephen and Nancy Bloom Patricia Blumen Reid Bolton Laurence Booth H. Woods Bowman Nancy Brandt Jacqueline Brave Tommy Brewer Dennis Bringuet Donors Diana Brockway Candace Broecker Graham K. Bromley Linda Brongel Jeff Brown Lisa Mon’a Brown William Brown Eugene Broyls, Sr. Becky Brueckel Barbara Brun Leah R. Bruno Jane Bryant Kevin Buchanan John and Jackie Bucksbaum Kenneth Budz James Buik Maree G. Bullock Jonathan C. Bunge Patricia Burke 36 Better Government Association Susan Burkhardt Edward Bury K. and J. Cabala Daniel Cadigan Suzanne Cahnmann Laura Caldwell Robert J. Calvin Jean Campbell Thomas Campbell John A. Canning, Jr. Cary Cannova Joe Cantele Pamella Capitanini Ray Capitanini Gary Carr Marta Carreira-Slabe Mary H. Carroll Linda Carson Robert A. Carson 2014 Annual Report Margaret Cartier Gloria J. Castillo Erik Cempel Samuel Chacko Michael Chip Thomas Chomicz Timothy Chorvat Jean Churchman Sue Cicero Nessim Cicurel Frank Ciszewski Phil Clement Mitchell Cobey Seymour A. Cohen Rosemary and Dennis Colbert Scott Coligan Patrick Collins Timothy Collins Dale Connelly Paula Conrad Thomas Conrardy Patricia Conroy Brenna Conway E. David Coolidge III John Corvino Jane Coscia Mary K. Cosgrove Brian Costin Tim Costin Renee Cote Ann Courter Vivian Covington Rachel Cowen Ashley Craig Andy Crestodina Michael Cronin The Crown Family Donors The Crown and Kunkler Family Vidal Cruz Ron Culp Laura Dahl Margaret A. Daley Thomas Dammrich Kent P. Dauten Bruce and Laurie Davidson John Davis Roger and Julie Davis Stephen L. Davis Patricia Davoren Jo Day Pedro DeJesus Patrick DeLacey Zaya DeNardo Jay Paul Deratany Carol Derner 37 Better Government Association Frank Dery Tom Desch Owen Deutsch and Rona Talcott Evan Devroe Louis Di Cerbo Joshua Diller Marc Doerr John Doerrer Mary Ann Dolce Michael and Diane Dolesh Arthur Don William Donnell James Donnelley Susanna Doolin Madeleine Doubek Rich Douglas David Doyle Michelle Drouin 2014 Annual Report Henrietta DuBois Janet and Craig Duchossois Peter Duffy Jake Duhart Shannon Duncan Lauren Dunne James Durkin Mary Eads Hillary Ebach Sarah Ebner Donald Eckler Jonathan Edelman Diane Edmundson Jon Edwards John A. Edwardson Christina Egan Gary Elden and Phyllis Mandler Kristina Eleki Allen Eliot Harriet Wilson Ellis Peggy Ellis Jerome Emer Linda Englund Deborah Epstein Mark Erickson Fletcher Farrar David M. Farrell Peter and Paula Fasseas Mary Feerick Jan Feldman James Ferrill Samuel Fifer Paul J. Finnegan Irene Fiorentinos David Fisher Richard Fitzgerald Robert Fitzgerald Donors Thomas Fitzpatrick James Forstall Eric Fox Paul Francuch Mark Frank Bud Frankel Paul E. Freehling Margery Frens Richard and Carrie Frey Gregory Friedman Ron Friedman Philip M. Friedmann Linda Fritz Roger Fross Alexander Fruchter Robert and Barbara Fullone Mark Furlong Aviva Futorian John Gainer 38 Better Government Association Joe Galetto Bennie Gant Charles Gardner Shirley Garland Sandra Gates Rosemaria Genova Tom and Diane Geraghty Robert Gerwing Kate Getz Salma Ghanem Ronald J. Gidwitz Lynn Gilfillan Richard Gilford Adam Gilgis Merri Jo Gillette Bertha Gimbel Janice Gintzler Ronald Giranio Therese Glatzhofer 2014 Annual Report Scott Glickson Jack Goggin Arthur and Jacqueline Goldberg Bartley F. Goldberg Stephen Goldberg Howard Golden Jeff Golden Thomas Golden Todd Golden David Golder Enrique Gonzalez Andrea and Jim Gordon Kenneth Gorenberg Ronald S. Gorski Antonio Gracias Graham C. Grady Ira E. Graham Thomas Grant Jan Grayson Len Green Beverly Greenman James Groat Frances Grossman John Grube Ariella Guardi Constance Guardi Thomas Guardi Melvin Guthrie Jordan Hadelman Donald Hahn Donna Hale Em Hall Lucy Hall Ray Hallowell Hill Hammock Carol Haney Albert and Chris Hanna Donors Molly Hansen Jacqueline Hanson Sharon Harper David Harris Peter Harris Roy Harris Janice Harrison John and Emma Spada Hartray Karen Hasara Andrea Hasten Harriet Hausman Ted Hawkins Shawn Healy Dennis and Elizabeth Hebson Adam Helman Robert A. Helman Brad Henderson 39 Better Government Association Patrick Henderson Stephen Hensley William Herr Mark Hersh John Heuman Alexandra Hider Hamilton Hill David Hiller Robert Hirsch E. Michael Hoadley David B. Hodapp David Hoffman Mark and Jaclyin Hoffman Randy Holgate Ryan Holst Colette Holt James Horvath William Houston William Howard 2014 Annual Report Lois Hudson James Huff Patricia J. Hurley Bruce Iglauer Geoffrey Ihnow David Ireland Muriel Jackson Peter Jacobs Robert Jacobsen Diane Jacobson Bethany Jaeger Harry Jaffe Michelle Janke Martha Jantho Patricia Jennings James Jerue Leroy Johnson Lillian Johnson Betsy Jones James Jones Suzanne Jones Thomas Jones Nancy Jones Emrich Rose Joshua Carroll Joynes Timothy Kaczmarek Matthew Kaseeska Greg Kassab Anastasia Katina Melvin Katten Mitchell Katten Charles Katzenmeyer Gerald Kaufman John Kaufman Richard Kaye Lisa Keating Robert Kellman Jeffrey Kendzierski Donors Christopher Kennedy Helen J. Kessler Tonia Khouri Thad and Colleen Kielch Thomas Kirk and Christine Hankus Kirk Amy Kirsch Yota and Steve Kleinman Gary Kleinrichert Robert S. Klonowski Linda Kluth Perry Knop Steven L. Koebel Lance Kohan David Kohn Kenneth Kollar Ludwig Kolman Stacia L. Kopplin and Thomas R. Mitchell 40 Better Government Association Anita Kosova Erin Kresse William Kresse John Krupka Walter Kubon Linda Kuczka Kathleen Kuehner Mark Kuehner Steve Kungis William C. Kunkler Dave Kupperman Marilyn Kushak George Kwak John La Marre Brannon Lambert Jade Lambert Routson Jerome S. Lamet Lisa Landes Marc J. Lane 2014 Annual Report Arden Lang Gordon and Clara V. Lang Diane and Andy Lappin Norman Lathrop William J. Lawlor III Andrew Emery Lawrence Kent Lawrence Carlton Lawson Paula Lawson William Lear Moses Lee Jocelyn Lemish Johanna Lenneberg Mark Leverone Michael Leverton Mark Levey Daniel Levin Lawrence Levin Robert and Linda Levin Tom Levinson Paul Levy Nora Lewis Thomas Lia Robert B. Lifton Lori E. Lightfoot Allan Lindrup Rhita Lippitz Lawrence E. Lisack Tom Livingston Jane Llewellyn Susanne Lodgen Dirk and Cathy Lohan Emily Lohse-Busch Daniel Lombard Robert Long Henry Lorsch Joseph LoVerde William E. Lowry Donors George Luscombe Zofia Lutnicka Matt Luzadder Turiya Luzadder Christopher Lynch Kathleen Lyons James W. Mabie Wayne Machnich John P. MacLeod Lynn Maddox Karen Mages Carol Maher Bashir and Meenal Mamdani Lydia Mangiardi James Mann Joe Mansueto Julie Marion Christina Martini 41 Better Government Association Henry E. Mawicke David May Sharon May Robert Mayer Myrna and Ed Mazur John McCambridge T.J. McCarthy Christopher McClellan Michael McCluggage Craig McCrohon Michael McGovern Moira McGovern James McGreal Sheila McGreal Timothy McHenry Richard and Florine McKay Andrew J. McKenna Kathleen McKenna-Cooper Maureen McKeough 2014 Annual Report John McLean Brett McNeil Dean Mefford William Megyery Allan Mellis David Melton Paul Mesnick, M.D. Ellen T. Metz Don Meyers Charles Middleton Monica Miernicka Gary Miller Janice Miller Ronald Miller Steven Miller Chekisha A. Mitchell Jameson Mitchell John Mitchell Lori Mitchell William Mitchell Michael Mock Jack Modzelewski James Montana Clifford Morehead Michael Morgan Suzanne Morgan Pamela Morris Robert Morris Jerry Morrow Bill Mundy Robert Munson David M. Murdoch Patrick Murphy Lynn Murray Meredith Murray Glenn Nadig David Nalezny Bruce Nesbitt Donors Charlotte Newberger Virginia Newman Rachel Niewoehner Nicole Nocera Edward Notz Gregory Nussbaum John Nylen Don O’Brien Shawn O’Brien Bud O’Connor M. O’Connor Mary Frances O’Connor Patrick J. O’Connor Pat and Jean O’Malley Mr. and Mrs. Richard O’Toole Lawrence Oliver Barbara L. Olson E H Oppenheimer Richard Ordonez 42 Better Government Association Benjamin Orzeske William Osborn Jeffrey Oskin José Padilla Sherwin Pakin Gregory Palis Philip Palmer Robert Paris Markell Parks Wayne Parthun Barbara Pasquinelli Clark Passino Steve Patterson Marilyn Pearson Anthony Pedretti Edwenna Perkins Kenneth Perkins Jim and Molly Perry Gordon Peters 2014 Annual Report Alan Peterson Mark Peterson David Pfeifer Ronald Picur Mary Jo Pienton John Pirra Martin Plecki Andrea Poet Marie Poppy Charlene Posner Jeffrey Price Marjorie Pries Joshua Prober Jacqueline Pruitt Suzanne Prysak Tom Ptak Dan Punzak Diana Quesada Roxanne Quigley David E. and Beatrice L. Radcliffe Paul Rafferty Cynthia Stone Raskin Richard Raskin James and Hildegund Ratcliffe John Rau Spencer Raymond Jacob Redekop Shirley Redmond R. Phillip Reed Robert and Janet Reed Michael Regan Leroy Regner Timo Rehbock Lucille Rehkamp Diane Reinhart David Reisinger Donors Michael Reiter Miriam Reitz Edward H. Rensi Anne Rhodes Ross Rice Philip Riley WIlliam Riordan Sandra Ritter Joseph Robinson Patricia Rochelle James Rocska Janice Rodgers Royal and Johnathan Rodgers Ronald H. Rodriguez Jeffrey E. Rogers Herbert Root Don Rose Warner Rosenthal 43 Better Government Association Robert Roth Seymour Rothstein John Rowe Paul Roy Judy Royko Susan B. Rubnitz Heidi Rudolph Mark E. Rust John Rutledge Margo Ryerson Mitchell A. Sabshon Bruce Sagan Van Salmans D. Milton Salzer Benjamin Sanders Muneer A. Satter Heather Sattler Josh Scheinfeld Kim Schilf 2014 Annual Report Cynthia Schilsky Nancy Schimmel Jim Schlusemann Jack Schmetterer Arthur Schneider Herbert Schneiderman Steve and Ellen Scholly Jack Schwager Jean Schwartz Bob Scott Miriam B. Scott Ronald R. Searl Peggy Seeley Alice Segal Chris Segal Benjamin Seigle Robin Selati Joseph Seliga Charles Sennet Michael Senoski Miriam Shabo Joan and James Shapiro Katherine Shaw Tom and Pam Sheffield Kay Shelton Michael Sheridan Naved Siddique Sean Siekkinen Adele Simmons John Simmons Haley Simon Dick Simpson Donald Simpson Marc Sims Andrea Sinacola John Sirek Linda Sizemore James and Kathleen Skinner Donors David J. Slate Anthony Smarjesse Charles L. Smead William Smithburg Lisa Snow William So Zig Sokolnicki Michael Soler G. Scott Solomon Earl Solon Juliet Sorensen Frances Sowa Glenn Spachman Ray Spangler Gail Spreen Mary Ann Squeo Julie Stagliano Doris Stanis Scott Stantis 44 Better Government Association Frederick Stanton Kathy and Scott Stanton Janet Steffen Sally Stegeman Faust Allison Stegich Nikki and Fredric Stein Christopher Stemler Hal Stephens Mona Stern Peter and Anne Stern and Kimball Steven Sterner John Stevens Ryan Stewart Charles Stewart III Clem Stiely Shane Stille James Stirling Mary Stith 2014 Annual Report Patricia Stoll Vicki Stoller Robert Stracks Laurie Styrcula Richard Sugar James Sulkowski Louis B. Susman Margaret Sutton Kristofer and Myrna Swanson Seena Swibel Arvin Talwar Michael Tannura Lee Tate Ann Taylor Sean Tehrani Thomas Terry Richard Thennes Colleen Thomas Nick Thomopoulos Ann Thornton Nancy Timmens Mark Townsend Donald Tracy Jackie Traynere Jessica Tucker Judith M. Turk Marie Tyse Susan Z. Ulman Edward Umbenhower Bernardo Urdaneta Vivian Vahlberg Steven Van Dorf Andy Van Meter Craig Varga Lauren Verdich Paul Vergulak Thomas Vicek Donors William Vincent Jeffrey Vogelsang Anne Voshel Janet and Peter Voss Linda Waggoner Christine Walker Karen Walker John Walsh Willa Warr Adam Warren Christine Watkins Steven Weberski Marcus & Anne Wedner Ellen Wehrle Laurence Weiner Eric Weinheimer Angie Weis Dave Weisman Adam Weiss 45 Better Government Association Chuck and Lynn Werner Beth and Bruce White Payson S. Wild, Jr. Anne Wilder Bruce Wilkens Virginia Willcox Cynthia Williams Carrie Wilson Heather Winter Nyra Wise Randall Witter Ann Wolff Geri Wrezel Maria Wynne Jean Wypychowski Richard Yant Scott Yonover Mary Adams Young Gertrude Zaja 2014 Annual Report Robert and Barbara Zaniolo Mark Ziegenhorn Robert Zofkie William Zolla Marvin Zonis and Lucy Salenger Ken Zurek Ann Zwick ProBonoDonors americaneagle.com Dentons EY Greenberg Traurig Kirkland & Ellis LLP Navigant 46 Better Government Association 2014 Annual Report 0. Media Partners CHICAGO WBBM SUN-TIMES is?? WBE291.5 3'45 The State (mutual?Register I A FOX :52 Tea-me CHICAGO . THE ?2 HUF FIN GT ON POST O. 47 Better Government Association 2014 Annual Report