Feb 6, 2007 6:39 pm US/Central
Todd Stroger Appoints Cousin To Top County Job
Critics Decry Nepotism, As Stroger Defends His Choice
by Mike Flannery
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
Cook County Board President Todd Stroger appointed a new Chief Financial Officer Tuesday, a woman with an MBA from Northwestern University and years of experience.
As CBS 2 News Political Editor Mike Flannery reports, the move faced immediate criticism because the appointee is also Stroger's first cousin.
Stroger said his cousin has not only the academic and professional qualifications to be Cook County's Chief Financial Officer, but another quality he seeks in key appointments.
"They have to be close to the president. The president has to trust them. There is no one I trust better than Donna Dunnings," Stroger said.
"We have to get away from this blatant nepotism. I've just, I've never supported that," said County Commissioner Earlean Collins. "I think he's gone way overboard with it. It has nothing to do with her qualifications."
Dunnings spoke in her own defense.
"I am qualified for this job. And there will always be critics. My mother told me a long time ago that Jesus walked our earth and he had critics," Dunnings said.
Dunnings said she graduated summa cum laude from the University of Arkansas, with a degree in accounting. Despite her new, bigger job she said she won't be getting a raise. She said her annual salary would remain $142,840 a year.
"This is nepotism at its worst," said County Commissioner Forest Claypool. "Not only is she Todd Stroger's cousin, she's the same cousin who, as budget director, essentially misled the Board of Commissioners into thinking they were running on a balanced budget last year."
"I don't care what her name is or what her blood line is. She had great credentials," Stroger said in defense of his appointee.
Stroger made several other moves in this shake-up of his budget and management team. He sent Tom Glaser, the former chief financial officer, to oversee the County Hospital and the Bureau of Health Services, and named Joe Fratto County Comptroller.
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