Congressman Jackson Calls For Investigation, Moratorium In City's Towing Program

Citing today's Chicago Sun-Times reports about corruption in Chicago's towing program, Congressman Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. called for an independent investigation and audit into the city's towing program and contractors, and an immediate moratorium on the re-sale of any vehicles impounded by the city.

"This latest revelation is yet another example of outrageous and unscrupulous practices within City Hall. Under the city's towing program, too many of our minority, elderly and hard-working residents have been victimized by a tangled web of corruption."

"Therefore I am calling for an immediate moratorium on the selling and disposal of vehicles seized by the City of Chicago. Additionally, I am urging the Illinois Attorney General and the Cook County State's Attorney to launch a thorough investigation and audit of the towing program. Scandals and corruption must cease being business-as-usual in Chicago government."

According to the Sun-Times, approximately 40 percent of the 170,000 cars towed in Chicago last year ended up being sold under an exclusive contract with a politically-connected contractor. In many cases, the Sun-Times reported, the contractors pocketed hefty profits from the vehicles -- which were sold without the permission or knowledge of the rightful owner.