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Betty Loren-Maltese and Political Corruption Many people, especially those who rarely partake in politics, are unaware of the problems concerning corruption in many government positions. In analyzing articles gathered from the Chicago Tribune, there are a wide variety of issues covered relating to political corruption including local city government, issues across the country, and also throughout the world as well. The emphasis will be on Betty Loren-Maltese, the Cicero town president who has recently been convicted on several accounts of corruption charges. This topic is significant for many reasons. Corrupt city government officials sometimes embezzle large sums of money and use it for their own purposes. The money they are “stealing” is often the taxpayers’ money. When this is the case, it is absolutely necessary that the taxpayers be made aware of the situation. A corrupt Judge might conceal the fact that he is in relation to somebody involved in a case he is trying, causing an unjust decision. If this situation was to the advantage of the defendant, there could be a defendant wrongfully acquitted, free and endangering the public. People need to know if their money and trust are going to the wrong place. Every citizen should take a more active role in informing themselves on who they elect into offices as well as who is already in office governing the people. One topic concerning political corruption covered in the Chicago Tribune is the Cook County Judge who received a six-month suspension after admitting to “a series of ethical lapses”. (Aug. 31st, Metro:13). Associate Judge Lambros J.Kutrubis received a six month unpaid vacation after he admitted to falsifying information on his own tax returns and also failing to declare himself in relation to many cases that involved people he knew personally, including family. In 1989 he accepted and tried a case involving his stepdaughter. This article neither slanders nor suggests particular judgement be placed in one direction or another on Judge Kutrubis. The article merely states the facts and allows the public to create their own opinions. Another corruption scandal covered in the Chicago Tribune is the Providence, Rhode Island mayor. Mayor Vincent “Buddy” Cianci Jr. was accused of accepting bribes in exchange for tax breaks, favors and jobs with the city. While the mass of corruption was taking place, Providence was also receiving new parks, a thriving new art scene and a new mall. Although the Providence mayor was obviously doing wonderful things for the city, he was at the same time taking advantage of his position for personal gain, and consequently he was convicted on federal charges. “Mayor Vincent Cianci Jr., was sentenced to more than five years Friday by a Judge who portrayed him as a Jekyll and Hyde figure who revitalized Providence even as he turned City Hall into a hotbed of bribery.” (Sept. 7, News: 10). The article states that Cianci plans to appeal the conviction. “State law required Cianci to leave office after being sentenced, and City Council President John Lombardi was sworn in to serve out th remainder of his term, which expires in January. Voters in Tuesday’s primary will choose the top candidates to succeed Cianci.” (Sept. 7, news: 10). Also sentenced was mayoral aide Frank Corrente to over five years and tow-truck operator Richard Autiello to just under four years on three corruption charges. These two men will join Cianci Jr.
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