Algonquin, Mundelein and Addison pass transparency audit; St. Charles and others fail

With the constant advancements of the digital age, keeping citizens informed about their local and state governments’ actions has never been easier. However, recent analysis by the Illinois Policy Institute found that Oswego, Woodridge, St. Charles and 15 other city governments in the state failed an online audit for government transparency.

This audit takes a close look at how much and what type of information is readily available to the public on local-government websites. Unfortunately, the analysis found that many city-level government websites are missing vital community information, such as public meeting schedules, government employee salaries and tax rates. Some are even in violation of state transparency laws. Cities that failed the audit include Chicago Heights, Oak Forest, Elk Grove Village and Glendale Heights, among others. The three cities of Algonquin, Mundelein and Addison received passing scores in the audit.

“Decades into the internet age, every citizen in Illinois should have equal online access to public information,” said Brian Costin, the director of government reform at that Illinois Policy Institute. “With this latest audit, the need for comprehensive online government transparency standard in Illinois is clear. Giving taxpayers and government officials the tools necessary to have an open and honest government would help bring trust and transparency back to a state that is known for corruption.”

Transparency scores were based on the Institute’s 10-Point Transparency Checklist. Key findings from the special report include:

• Oswego scored 73.3 out of a possible 100 points
• Woodridge scored 66.5 out of a possible 100 points
• Oak Forest scored 54 out of a possible 100 points
• Elk Grove Village scored 44.4 out of a possible 100 points
• St. Charles scored 47.8 out of a possible 100 points
• Addison scored 80.2 out of a possible 100 points
• Algonquin scored 84.7 out of a possible 100 points

Complete coverage of the latest government transparency audit is available here: http://www.illinoispolicy.org/addison-algonquin-and-mundelein-earn-high-marks-on-government-transparency-audit-while-18-cities-fail/