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Heated Debate at Cemetery Oversight Task Force Meeting
What was supposed to be the final hearing by the Cemetery Oversight Task Force turned into a sword fight between State Rep. Ken Dunkin (D-Chicago) and State Comptroller Dan Hynes.

Dunkin, who just a day earlier drafted a resolution to investigate the Comptrollers oversight of cemeteries, blasted Hynes and his staff for a lack of oversight at Burr Oak cemetery.

Dunkin said Hynes did not follow the state's Cemetery Care Act. Dunkin says the law gives the comptroller the right to inspect cemetery grounds, something he claims Hynes didn't do.

Hynes explained that the law dealt with financial matters. He says his office regulated the money spent for grounds keeping and other maintenance.

Dunkin didn't buy the explanation.

"Stop trying to dance around it and play games with the people of this state," Dunkin said in a raised voice. "Don't manufacture foolishness as it relates to transposing the words until what’s cute for you because the reality is your department, that agency played the citizens of this state."

The task force was created after it was discovered that bodies at Burr Oak cemetery in Alsip were dug up and their plots resold. The decomposed bodies were heaped into piles hidden by brush.

The task force is expected to release a report of its findings in time for the fall Veto Session where lawmakers may take action and implement new laws regarding licensing and regulation of the industry.

(Illinois Radio Network)
09 11 09 by Newsroom
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