ILLINOIS: Audit

What happens to an alderman's salary? A hundred angry taxpayers' leagues, thinking of both the alderman and his salary as fat, have asked this question. Paul Howard Douglas, University of Chicago economics professor, often used to ask it. Last year popular, liberal-minded Paul Douglas decided to find out. He ran for alderman in Chicago's fifth ward, promised if elected to audit and publish his annual income. Last week Alderman Douglas kept his pledge, issued his findings.

Total income: $14,945.07. Aldermanic income: $3,556.80. Aldermanic disbursements (rent, help, charities, grass seed, garbage cans, etc.):...