New Cook assessor under fire from federal patronage monitor

Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi, elected a year ago on a reform platform, is under fire from a court-appointed monitor for delays in implementing new hiring policies meant to keep politics out of his office and failing to understand what needs to be done to escape the federal microscope.

Susan G. Feibus, the Shakman monitor for the office, said in her report, which was filed in federal court last week, that Kaegi's office has "not grasped the level of scrutiny" that comes with being under federal oversight.

That "lack of understanding" was demonstrated through employee actions that resist "Shakman-related concerns voiced by" Feibus, she said.

Chief Deputy Assessor Sarah Garza Resnick said the office is proud of the work it's done so far to bring the office into compliance with Shakman policies.

For more, check chicago.suntimes.com.