Days after a Cook County Forest Preserve worker was charged with growing marijuana — not far from the forest preserve quarters she calls home — officials at the agency are calling for [not implementing] sweeping reforms.
In what is known as the “resident watchmen” program, 40-plus homes and apartments are available at steeply discounted rates for forest preserve staffers who, in addition to their regular duties, agree to help plow snow, remove downed trees and report criminal activity in the area where they’re living.
The program has long been seen as a home for some patronage workers whose skills are honed climbing the political ladder rather than fighting a forest fire — but that’s all changing, said Forest Preserve Supt. Arnold Randall.
Read more about this corruption: HERE
