Chicago City Council watchdog to wait

By Hal Dardick and John Byrne, Tribune Reporters

Chicago aldermen put off a final vote Wednesday on a much-criticized measure that would result in the City Council hiring an internal watchdog who would need permission before launching investigations.

Ald. Brendan Reilly, 42nd, said he doesn't see the point of creating more city bureaucracy in the form of a separate council inspector general, especially when the watchdog powers would be so weak.

City Council members crafted the ordinance as a response to Mayor Richard Daley's challenge to allow the city's inspector general to investigate allegations against aldermen. They balked at the idea of giving the mayor more control but also worried that inaction would anger voters in next year's city elections.