Gift room created by Mayor Johnson after investigators faced access issues

Chicago’s Gift Room Investigation Raises Questions

Recent records obtained by Chicago’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) suggest that the “gift room” revealed by Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office in February was built only after OIG investigators encountered obstacles while trying to inspect previously received gifts. This has led to more questions about the whereabouts of city property such as cufflinks, designer handbags, and shoes before the inquiry.

According to the Chicago City Ordinance, departments must make their facilities and records available to the Inspector General without unnecessary delay. Initially, investigators were denied access during a surprise inspection of Johnson’s gift room following allegations that he had received and failed to report valuable gifts.

In response to a recommendation from the OIG, the mayor’s office posted a brief video on Johnson’s YouTube page, outlining new rules about the gifts the mayor can accept on behalf of the city.

Interestingly, the room showcased in the video wasn’t constructed until February, after investigators had attempted unannounced inspections of gift items the mayor’s office had received. The OIG indicated that it couldn’t verify whether and where city property was being stored before the gift room was established.

Johnson’s office did emphasize that the gift room would be accessible to both the press and the public.

A second attempt by OIG investigators to conduct inspections in July was obstructed as well. Allegedly, the city attorney instructed employees not to assist OIG during its initial visit, making it difficult for them to gather information.

Weeks later, the OIG did manage to carry out an inspection with the presence of the City Attorney’s Office, confirming that items were indeed in the office. Despite this, the OIG criticized the refusal to allow earlier inspections, stating this impeded their ability to gather reliable evidence regarding potential violations of city policy.

The Mayor’s Office has reportedly not complied with the OIG’s recommendations, claiming part of the OIG’s rules only pertains to investigative interviews and not inspections. They noted that the interpretation of the Government Ethics Code is changing.

Chicago Comptroller Deborah Wittsburg expressed concern about the ongoing lack of trust in the city’s government, stating that the mayor’s office appears reluctant to allow oversight unless it’s absolutely necessary. According to her, this approach fails to restore confidence among residents.

The OIG has urged the Mayor’s Office to take steps to ensure city property is accessible as required, including issuing guidance to clarify their authority to inspect.