I was curious if any elected leaders in Markham would bring up former Mayor David Webb Jr. during the first public meeting after authorities announced charges against him for allegedly accepting bribes from contractors in a corruption scheme.
During the city council meeting on Wednesday, none of the aldermen who had served alongside Webb for many years mentioned the alleged wrongdoing.
A federal grand jury indicted Webb and others for their supposed involvement in a pay-to-play kickback operation, as authorities reported on Dec. 1. Prosecutors claim that Webb received $300,000 in bribe payments, including cash concealed in a coffee cup handed to him in his office at city hall, according to court documents.
No other city officials face charges related to this issue. After news outlets reported the allegations, city council members appeared to treat it like an unspoken elephant in the room.
Aldermen could have assured the roughly 30 residents present in council chambers that Markham would press on. However, those responsible for managing the city’s tax dollars made no prepared comments and didn’t mention important values like trust, honesty or integrity.
“I would like to commend the mayor’s office for decorating the building,” Ald. William Barron said while addressing attendees. “It always seems to look great for the holidays.” He then paused before adding, “That’s all I have.”
Webb, 69, was mayor for 16 years before choosing not to run again this year. The individual who won April’s mayoral election is a convicted felon and is barred by state law from holding municipal office.
Roger Agpawa, fire chief from nearby Country Club Hills, hopes that Illinois lawmakers will amend this law. The Senate has passed legislation that is currently under consideration by the House. Agpawa refers to himself as “mayor-elect” of Markham but did not attend Wednesday’s council meeting.
He’s also appealing a judge’s decision preventing him from assuming office as Markham’s mayor. The Cook County state’s attorney has filed suit to block this from happening.
The acting mayor at present, Ald. Ernest Blevins, told me he had nothing to say regarding Webb.
I asked Kenneth “Mojo” Muldrow Jr., who received the second highest votes in April’s election about Webb but he declined to comment as well. Muldrow works as a police officer and serves as president of the Markham Park District board while running as a write-in candidate.
Muldrow did express his thoughts on another recent incident making headlines in Markham though. A nightclub located at 16288 Dixie Highway has been closed pending results from a liquor license hearing following a shooting Saturday where a woman was injured.
“I’m totally against the strip club,” Muldrow stated when we spoke. “We’re over there constantly on a regular basis. Why should everyone else in the community suffer?”
Since 2010, there have been at least 17 shootings connected with nightclubs or strip clubs within Markham’s borders; residents and victims alike criticize city officials for failing to do enough about violence at problematic venues.
No residents spoke during Wednesday night’s council session regarding either shootings or corruption claims linked with the former mayor.
I met several residents of Markham about a year ago when discussions were underway concerning land acquisition across an area spanning 140 acres south of 159th Street between I-294 and Dixie Highway. At that time around 35 homes were occupied within that neighborhood.
The community expressed concerns over being forced out and their ability to find alternative housing with what they were offered financially. Presently concrete barriers obstruct streets south of 159th Street.
“All but two (of those homes) were bought out and there are two (remaining) vacant properties” yet to be acquired through consolidation efforts, John Thompson remarked; he serves as director of economic development for Markham.
A developer plans on constructing a “manufacturing, shipping and receiving” center which provided funds necessary for land acquisition according to Thompson’s statements.
Markham successfully acquired numerous vacant parcels thanks to support from a Cook County initiative; legal proceedings are ongoing aimed toward acquiring four remaining properties Thompson noted further down our conversation.
The installation of concrete barriers aimed at preventing illegal dumping took place according Thompsons’ explanation; surveillance measures surround this area due previous patterns involving illegal dumping which persisted over many years followed by clean-up measures supervised by Illinois Environmental Protection Agency guidelines.
This unnamed developer project anticipates generating anywhere between 800-2 thousand new jobs states Thompson highlighting potential benefits tied into connectivity towards nearby interstates offering favorable conditions suitable for redevelopment initiatives.
“The south suburbs represent frontier territory ready open exploration,” he explained. “Property remains affordable presenting attractive options specifically targeting distribution centers logistics operations.”
I see promising economic development prospects emerging within markam , yet sincerely wish its officials were more inclined engage openly concerning matters such violent incidents occurring nightclubs pertaining allegations relating prior mayors misconducts.
“I hope greater transparency becomes practice upheld throughout governance ,” I stated. ” It would greatly benefit stakeholders involved especially if agendas minutes issued meetings shared publicly accessible via websites – Currently displaying Webb still serving title”
Eight months elapsed since Webb exited roles whereas presently Blevins occupies post however there’s vacancy within alderman seat resulting situations causing deprivation full representation markahm citizens deserving ”
Following conclusion forum I engaged discussion wit Ald Rondal Jones asking insights surrounding news covering webb situation
“Case remains under inquiry specifics remain unclear regarding aspects ” said Jones. “Positive outlook ahead amidst leadership guiding approach feel confident recovery forthcoming moving forward”
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