Chicago's budget director has resigned in the midst of the city's worst financial crisis in recent history.
Bennett Johnson III on Thursday called the job tough and demanding, adding he'd done a lot to try and help the city, but it was time for him to move on.
Johnson stirred up controversy in February when he installed a $5,400 shower in his City Hall office just weeks after pushing through a budget that raised taxes, fines and fees by $293 million.
He stirred up more angst when the tax package still left a $469 million deficit in the budget, forcing the layoff of 635 employees and the slowing of police hiring.
Johnson said his revenue numbers looked fine up until March, adding nobody knew how bad the real estate market was going to be. AP
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Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Bennett Johnson III on Thursday called the job tough and demanding, adding he'd done a lot to try and help the city, but it was time for him to move on.
Johnson stirred up controversy in February when he installed a $5,400 shower in his City Hall office just weeks after pushing through a budget that raised taxes, fines and fees by $293 million.
He stirred up more angst when the tax package still left a $469 million deficit in the budget, forcing the layoff of 635 employees and the slowing of police hiring.
Johnson said his revenue numbers looked fine up until March, adding nobody knew how bad the real estate market was going to be. AP
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Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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