Daywatch: Troubled Cook County tech firm used insider lobbyist

Chicago Tribune

a day ago

Good morning, Chicago.
As a fledgling tech contractor looking to build its business in the insular world of Cook County politics, Texas-based Tyler Technologies turned to one of Illinois' most well-connected lobbyists to get the job done.
In 2016, Jay Doherty not only lobbied Chicago, Cook County and state agencies, he was also the longtime president of the City Club of Chicago, a popular nonprofit civic organization.
Doherty would be convicted in 2023 of conspiracy in a scandal involving one of his other clients, Commonwealth Edison. It was part of a series of linked cases that ultimately ended Madigan's decades-long run as speaker.
There is no direct connection between Doherty's work for ComEd and what he did for Tyler. Unlike Tyler's efforts seeking contract opportunities, the ComEd case detailed a vast criminal scheme of bribery and influence peddling as part of the utility's efforts to get legislation passed.
But interviews and records about Doherty's work for Tyler and details from his 2023 trial reveal striking parallels in how he repeatedly smoothed paths for both clients, including creating informal interactions at City Club events attended by government officials so the two sides could discuss business outside the office.
Read the latest in our reporting on the troubled tech firm, from the Tribune's A.D. Quig and David Jackson of Injustice Watch.
Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day, including: why an alderman wants to give the City Council power to ban short-term rentals, the cost-cutting measures Northwestern University is implementing and our summer books guide.
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