Peoria Standard

Chicago is not called “The Windy City” because of powerful storms that blew through, Gary L. McCullough likes to remind people.

The nickname was given to the city because of the gales of words that erupted from local politicians, says the former Caterpillar worker from central Illinois.

“Has nothing to do with the weather,” he told the Peoria Standard.

Some historians debate this description, but one thing is clear, McCullough notes: Chicago politicians are a windy bunch. They love few things more than the sound of their own voice. McCullough, 69, has grown tired of hearing them and he's also weary of the steady stream of corrupt activities tied to Illinois and its largest city.

“I really expect our governor to go to jail,” he said. “How’s that?”

Gov. J.B. Pritzker could find himself fitted for an orange jumpsuit. Four of the previous 10 governors — Rod Blagojevich, George Ryan, Dan Walker and Otto Kerner — landed in prison.

Pritzker hasn’t been charged with a crime but federal prosecutors are examining a $330,000 break on property taxes he received for his second Gold Coast mansion.

Former Assessor Joseph Berrios approved a lowered assessment after five toilets were removed in 2015 and the palatial home was declared vacant, saving Pritzker, who’s reportedly worth more than $3 billion, a large sum of money. He repaid the disputed $330,000 in the closing days of the gubernatorial campaign.

Meanwhile, longtime Illinois Speaker Mike Madigan was revealed for be “Public Official A” in court documents filed when Commonwealth Edison agreed to a plea deal on a single count of bribery and paid a $200 million fine.

Madigan also has not been charged and has pledged to cooperate. His office also is being scrutinized for links to AT&T lobbyists as the probe into influence peddling in Springfield widens.

U.S. Attorney John Lausch said he is still digging into reports of corruption and insider deals.

“Our investigation is ongoing” Lausch said. “It’s vibrant and it will continue.”

None of this surprises McCullough, who lives in Dunlap in central Illinois. He‘s retired from Caterpillar and has been active in his community, serving on the school board.

He said when people hear the word Chicago, the first word that comes to their mind is corruption. That needs to change. 

“I think people are really sick of the malfeasance and corruption,” he said.

McCullough said the media needs to do a better job exploring reports of shady deals. Reports of Pritzker’s property tax break were floated during the 2018 campaign but there were no in-depth stories on it until after the votes were counted.

McCullough said he remains puzzled why Pritzker, a billionaire, and his wife would scheme to save money on taxes while putting the burden on the backs of working people and retirees.

“I don’t understand why he would have to do this,” he said. “He’s worth what, billions? I don’t understand this.”

McCullough also thinks there is a problem with voter fraud in the state. He thinks a lot more people would vote Republican if they didn’t think the outcome of elections was predetermined.

“It would give people an honest representation at the polls,” McCullough said.