Lori Lightfoot

Embattled Burke's 14th Ward Sees Calls For Special Monitors

There are calls for special monitors in Ald. Ed Burke's 14th Ward when voters go to the polls three weeks from Tuesday.

Congressman Jesus "Chuy" Garcia points to cellphone video that shows Burke ignoring the rules on Election Day in November.

"We're asking law enforcement officials to examine the evidence that we’re sharing with the public today," Garcia said.

Garcia is asking the attorney general and Chicago Board of Elections to monitor the 14th Ward after what happened on Nov. 6.

Promotional materials seen in the video were removed , but then shows Burke arrived and handed the blue tote bags out himself, even after he's told not to.

Cook County Commissioner Alma Anaya said voters were asked to sign Burke's nominating petitions.

"Before submitting your ballot, you were asked to sign up the petition of Ed Burke, right up here I took this picture," Anaya said.

Not only is Burke facing his toughest re-election bid -- his federal investigation is playing a major role in the mayor's election - candidates met at the Sun-Times editorial board Tuesday.

Mayoral candidate Paul Vallas called for reform.

"You need the type of real ethics reform that's going to take the money out of the system because it’s the money that has a corrupting influence," he said.

Lori Lightfoot also weighed in.

"It's one thing when you’re caught, and the red hot glare is on you, to propose all types of things, it’s another what you do on a day to day basis," she said.

As did former police superintendent Garry McCarthy.

"It's never going to change, until somebody changes it and it starts with leadership at the top," he said.

With polls opening in all 50 Wards for early voting on Monday, it's getting to decision time.

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