In a state where cronyism and nepotism in politics is almost an art form, it is always gratifying to see the inner-circle under intense pressure for their stupidity, if not negligence.
Yesterday the first lawsuit was filed against the management of the County Building that burned last Friday, which includes Elzie Higginbottom. When asked whether an independent inquiry that would focus on Higginbottom would be impartial, John Stroger almost had a stroke, saying "I don’t think Mr. Higginbottom has done any more for me than many citizens have done." That doesn’t even pass the laugh test. He then went on to say that he didn’t "care who was affected." Yeah right. If they have to, Stroger and Daley will throw Higginbottom over the side because, for once, the media and those representing the unfortunate workers who died are not letting the matter drop. But if they can protect him and others involved in this disaster, history tells us they will.
Also, Patrick Murphy keeps at it, saying yesterday that it amounts to almost "crimial negligence" that management sent employees into stairwells they knew were not pressurized, and that the County didn’t spend less than $1.5 million to add sprinklers when the retrofit was done. As I noted yesterday, Murphy is like a terrier with a bone. If he can finally crack the wall that protects the cronies and the relatives who benefit from far too much in this city and state with little or no accountability, then he will be a Profile in Courage.
At some point, I hope Mayor Daley, Mr. Stroger, and James Joyce all come before the media and face the really tough questions being asked.