Cook Co. calls emergency meeting over CFO's resignation

Cook County commissioners have called an emergency meeting for Thursday to make sure that, in the wake of CFO Donna Dunnings' resignation, county finances are secure.

Cook County Finance Chair John Daley characterized the meeting as one to change account signatories now that Dunnings has resigned, but at least one other commissioner said it was "a little bit more than that."

County Commissioner Larry Suffredin said he wants to make sure no money's missing.

While he has no evidence of that being the case, he said Dunnings' abrupt resignation Thursday and a lack of details from County Board President Todd Stroger make it necessary to ask such a question, he said.

Dunnings said she's got nothing to hide.

"I would encourage the commissioners to look at all the dollars in and out of the county," said Dunnings, adding she has always been professional with the county's money.

Stroger spokesmen did not return phone calls.

Dunnings resigned after twice bailing out of jail her former aide and former college basketball player Tony Cole. Cole was working as a busboy when he met Stroger and was hired by him. Stroger, in a release, said Cole had made "explosive" allegations against Dunnings that he was certain were not true, but would not reveal what the accusations are. Dunnings did not say either.

"That (the word 'explosive'), to me, does not mean a personal indiscretion. That means something bigger," Suffredin added, noting that commissioners' fiduciary obligations made the meeting and questions necessary.

"I probably shouldn't have used that word," said Stroger Tuesday in a news conference, adding that he doesn't know specifically what allegations Cole may be making against Dunnings. "Like some reporters, I was listening to rumors."

Suffredin still wants to look at the books.

"What we want to do is make sure that all prudent and reasonable things have been done to ensure that no money is missing," said Suffredin.

The meeting was called by 16 of 17 commissioners - Commissioner Bill Beavers did not sign on - and officially seeks to "ensure the integrity of any financial system, accounts, bonds, and any other activity directly under the control of the Chief Financial Officer."

Commissioners will ask questions of current financial officers and auditors to make sure everything is secure, Suffredin said.