Peter Hancock/Capitol News Illinois file photo Legislative Inspector General Carol Pope resigned last week, and the reasons for her departure should come as no surprise to Illinois lawmakers. The complaints made by Pope and past inspectors general — tasked with independently policing and investigating ethical complaints made against state senators and representatives — are nothing new. Editorials In her resignation letter, Pope said the role has “no real power to effect change” and described the position as a “paper tiger.” Similar words were echoed in 2019 by the former acting legislative inspector general, Julie Porter, who called it a “powerless role” and warned that “no LIG — no matter how qualified, hardworking and persistent — can effectively serve the public.”