A Calumet City alderman said his consulting business has suffered after Mayor Thaddeus Jones, who is also a state representative, sent an email to Democratic colleagues urging them to cease doing business with him. The email advised other legislators not to use the services of 1833 Group, the consulting company run by 6th Ward Ald. James “JR” Patton. Patton said he lost three clients from the email but declined to provide information on them.
The email was undated, though a Capital Fax post states it was sent Oct. 18, 2021. “The 1833 group has several members listed as a clients,” Jones wrote. “It is my hope that you will consider disengaging from this company.” Patton is a member of the Democratic Party, according to the Illinois State Board of Elections. A spokesperson for Welch declined to comment. Raines-Welch and Jones did not respond to a request for comment.