Collin Corbett Calls for Removal of Illinois Legislative Inspector General and Overhaul of State Ethics System (Palatine, IL) – Independent candidate for Illinois governor Collin Corbett is calling for the removal of Legislative Inspector General Michael McCuskey and proposing a broad restructuring of the state’s ethics oversight system.
Corbett’s demands come after comments McCuskey reportedly made during a recent radio interview concerning the investigation into former state Rep. Harry Benton and other matters involving lawmakers. Corbett argues that the remarks raise serious questions about confidentiality, investigative practices and the independence of Illinois’ ethics system.
Among the statements cited by Corbett, McCuskey discussed his interactions with Benton, referred to Benton being treated like former lawmaker Fred Crespo, and used profane language while responding to questions about inaccuracies and omissions in the Benton investigation report.
Corbett also pointed to McCuskey’s comments regarding whether complaints or investigations involving other lawmakers had been filed. In one portion of the interview, McCuskey appeared to acknowledge that he had disclosed information he should not have shared.
Corbett said the comments demonstrate what he considers a failure to maintain the standards expected of the state’s top legislative ethics investigator.
“These statements show a total disregard for confidentiality, basic investigative standards, and the seriousness of ethics violations,” Corbett said. “Under the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act, the Legislative Ethics Commission has the authority to fire McCuskey for substantial neglect of duty and incompetence. They should do so immediately.”
The controversy also has reopened debate over how Illinois chooses its legislative watchdog.
Corbett criticized the process that resulted in McCuskey’s appointment, arguing that the state’s ethics structure allows lawmakers to exercise too much control over the officials responsible for investigating them.
According to Corbett, the appointment followed the resignation of former Legislative Inspector General Carol Pope, who had criticized the office as effectively a “paper tiger.” A search committee made up of retired judges and former prosecutors identified potential candidates for consideration, but Corbett contends Senate President Don Harmon bypassed that process and backed McCuskey in a party-line vote.
The larger concern, Corbett said, is the lack of independence throughout Illinois’ ethics infrastructure.
The Legislative Inspector General is overseen by the Legislative Ethics Commission, which consists of four Democratic lawmakers and four Republican lawmakers. Corbett argues that the structure can make the commission susceptible to partisan deadlock.
He also criticized the oversight arrangements for the governor, attorney general, secretary of state, treasurer and comptroller. Their respective Offices of Executive Inspector General report through the Executive Ethics Commission, whose members are appointed by the same executive officials whose offices are subject to oversight.
Corbett characterized the system as one in which elected officials ultimately have significant influence over the watchdogs responsible for investigating government misconduct.
He cited criticism from former Illinois inspectors general who have questioned whether reports concerning alleged legislative misconduct will receive adequate public scrutiny.
Rather than making changes piecemeal, Corbett is proposing a single independent ethics commission that would oversee state elected officials and employees across the executive and legislative branches.
His proposal would consolidate the existing Executive Ethics Commission, Legislative Ethics Commission, Legislative Inspector General and the executive inspector general offices overseeing the governor, attorney general, secretary of state, treasurer and comptroller.
Under Corbett’s plan, separate inspectors general would continue to investigate specific branches of state government while operating under the independent commission. The investigators would submit their findings to the commission, which would conduct hearings and determine whether disciplinary action is warranted.
The proposal would also give the commission and its inspectors general independent statutory subpoena authority, an independent budget and the ability to publicly release investigative reports when wrongdoing is established.
Corbett is proposing a nine-member commission. The Illinois Supreme Court would vet potential nominees, with the governor selecting the chair from that group. The Senate president, House speaker, Senate minority leader and House minority leader would each select one member, while the attorney general, secretary of state, treasurer and comptroller would each select one.
Under the proposal, commission members and inspectors general could not be sitting legislators, state employees, political party leaders or employees, or registered lobbyists.
“What we’re proposing is an ambitious overhaul of the entire ethics oversight system in Illinois,” Corbett said. “But scandal after scandal in Illinois has proven it’s time we finally take ethics seriously in this state.”
Corbett said he believes meaningful reform will be difficult to achieve under the current political structure and urged voters to support independent candidates who favor changes to the state’s ethics system.
The proposal comes amid continuing debate in Springfield over legislative accountability, the handling of complaints against lawmakers and the independence of state watchdog agencies.
Collin Corbett Calls for Removal of Illinois Legislative Inspector General and Overhaul of State Ethics System
