You would think that after all of the hoopla and negative press surrounding indictments and convictions of East St. Louis officials that no one would be dumb enough to risk their career by engaging in criminal activity.
But, if I’ve learned anything in covering East Boogie “politricks,” it’s that corrupt officials don’t just die, they multiply!
The other thing that I’ve learned is that prison is, obviously, not a deterrent when a public official has a made-up mind to break the law.
I was reminded of that fact, last week, when Arthur “Greasy” Johnson, 61, head of ESL’s Community Development Block Grant program, and Harold N. Rosen, 79, a Clayton businessman and owner of Kully Construction Company, were indicted in federal court for allegedly engaging in a fraudulent scheme to build a low-income affordable housing project in ESL.
Rosen, indicted on nine counts of wire fraud, is accused of lying about his background and experience, providing bogus tax returns and financial statements in applying for loans and, purportedly, attempting to pass off cheaper pre-fab housing, as opposed to providing on-site construction as promised.
Johnson was indicted on three counts, with allegations including the accepting of bribes and benefits (from a representative of Rosen), as well as aiding and abetting Rosen’s wire fraud scheme.
In addition, Johnson was, allegedly, promised future employment (with Rosen) in exchange for steering the housing development in Rosen’s favor.
The only bright note, in this sordid tale, is that the state-appointed Financial Advisory Authority had previously blocked public funding to Rosen from 2008 to 2009 because of Rosen’s questionable documentation regarding his financing.
That begs the question: when will the criminality ever end in ESL politics? U.S. District Judge Michael J. Reagan was very eloquent in stating, “If ever there was a community that needed a semblance of hope, it’s East St. Louis.”
It also illustrates the necessity for the continuation of the FAA to oversee the financial steps and missteps of those who purport to be in charge of ESL city government.
If Arthur “Greasy” Johnson was as concerned, as a public official, for the best interests of the citizens of ESL as he is in maintaining his notoriously greasy mane of overly processed hair, then the taxpayers of East Boogie wouldn’t have to read about another embarrassing story of alleged greed and corruption at City Hall.
Mayor Alvin Parks Jr.’ deputy liquor commissioner’s conviction and incarceration is still fresh on the minds and lips of ESL residents. Now this.
Hopefully, ESL voters will take the latest developments into account during the upcoming city elections.
It would seem that the climate at ESL City Hall continues to be conducive to corruption, deception, selfishness and greed.
This may be the opportune time for citizens to send a strong message to ESL officials by returning the leadership to life as private citizens.
Email: jtingram_1960@yahoo.com.
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