McCormick Place Fiasco Tied to Thompson and Vrdolyak All Chicago City News, July 12, 1985The ambitious $252 million project to expand McCormick Place Convention Center has come under investigation by the Illinois General Assembly, as recent evidence has linked corruption and mismanagement to Chicago Democrats and Illinois Governor James Thompson.
Just weeks before the end of the spring session, McCormick Place officials were asking for an additional $60 million for the expansion project, which began over a year ago. At the close of the session the General Assembly granted the project an additional $27 million, as they launched into an investigation of possible corruption and mismanagement.
The expansion project has been marred by heavy cost overruns and evidence pointing to sweetheart deals involving allies of Alderman Ed Vrdolyak. Other legislators are pointing the finger at GovernorThompson appointees for bungling contract which they say were awarded based on unrealistically low estimates.
Another key figure in the investigation is Representative Larry Bullock (D-23rd), who was instrumental in helping obtain the original bond authorization from the legislature last year. Bullock has just received federal and state subpoenas to appear before a grand jury to testify on his questionable dealings at both McCormick Place and his construction firm.
Recently a Chicago Tribune article revealed that Bullock became part owner of "an obscure construction company" that received a $741,000 subcontract for the McCormick annex just weeks after Bullock led the fight for the bond authorization.
According to the article, Bullock paid nothing for 40 percent ownership of the firm. Bullock, who represents a majority Black district, is a strong supporter of 10th ward alderman Ed Vrdolyak.
Another deal involves AIC Security Systems, which is owned by Vrodlyak's brother Victor. Vrdolyak was given a no-bid contract to guard the site during its construction.
Thompson has also come under fire because the McCormick Place Board of Directors is largely under his jurisdiction. Although the twelve-member board is supposed to be split evenly between the Mayor of Chicago and the Governor, Mayor Washington has appointed only two members, while six have been appointed by Thompson. The remaining were appointed by former Mayor Byrne.
As a result, the expansion project may be halted sometime during the summer. It is still uncertain whether or not Governor Thompson will call a special session to determine if the remaining amount will be awarded.