Waukegan, IL — Official campaign records show that Waukegan Mayor Ann Taylor accepted two donations totaling $1500 from Libertyville resident Steve Bugg. After his first donation, Bugg was appointed to the Waukegan Public Library Board of Trustees. Mayor Taylor is now facing scrutiny over what many are calling a textbook example of pay-to-play politics.
The controversy has raised concerns about the integrity of local government practices and whether appointments are being made for the right reasons—or for the benefit of those who can afford to pay to play.
According to the Reform for Illinois’ Sunshine Database, Bugg made a $500 donation to Citizens for Ann Taylor in 2021 and then was named to the Waukegan Public Library Board in 2022.
“It’s a clear conflict of interest,” said Tyrone Davidson. “It looks like you can’t get ahead in Waukegan unless you’re willing to pay off the right people. In this case, Mayor Ann Taylor is taking money from the highest bidder for the key positions. This is not how government is supposed to work.”
