By Monique Garcia and Ray Long
April 30, 2014
Cook County prosecutors are looking into a troubled grant program pushed by Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn as he sought re-election in 2010. Quinn is seen here Monday giving a speech to the City Club of Chicago. (Terrence Antonio James)
Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez has launched a probe of a troubled $55 million anti-violence program Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn put in place in 2010 amid a tough election battle.
A grand jury issued a subpoena seeking documents related to the Neighborhood Recovery Initiative Program, which funneled money to various community groups in what Quinn billed as an effort to target crime in some of Chicago’s most dangerous neighborhoods.
Republican critics contend the program was a slush fund designed to shore up support for Quinn in heavily Democratic Cook County, while a recent scathing state audit found the initiative was “hastily implemented” and failed to track how taxpayer dollars were spent.
Alvarez sought documents pertaining to the names and identities of those who received grants under the program, as well as copies of all payment invoices and related audits and compliance reports.
The investigation is the second blow in as many weeks to Quinn as he seeks a second elected term. Quinn’s public approval ratings have been low, but in a state plagued by a history of public corruption the governor had earned the perception among voters that he is honest.