Corruption: Bad Eggs in the Incubator

As “Operation Incubator,” the FBI investigation into Chicago corruption, proceeded for 2 1/2 years, speculation was rife that it might taint Mayor Harold Washington. When five indictments were finally handed up last week, two of the seven men charged were indeed black aldermen belonging to a bloc in the city council that supports Washington. But the charges, involving bribery to win city contracts for collecting unpaid parking tickets and water bills, fell far short of an attack on the mayor. To the contrary, U.S. Attorney Anton R. Valukas praised Washington for his cooperation. Said Valukas: “The mayor is not a target.” Said Washington in turn: “I didn’t elect the people on the city council; I only voted for one of them.”