Posted 12/20/2023, 1:42:15 PM
Rosemont, Illinois: A Family-Run City Faces Growing Scrutiny
- Rosemont, Illinois is run by the Stephens family like a political machine, with the current mayor and many city jobs held by relatives
- The city has thrived due to its location near O'Hare airport, with a huge convention center, sports arena, hotels, and businesses
- Nepotism and patronage are rampant, with no-bid contracts and salaries set by relatives on city boards
- Parallels are drawn to Gabon's ruling family regime which depended on oil money to maintain power
- The machine has attracted scrutiny but continues on; however, debt and economic uncertainty could threaten its future