The federal corruption trial of four former city of Chicago officials continues today.

Witness Hugh Donlan wrapped up his testimony today.

Donlan claimed he helped rig hiring in the bureau of electricity part of Chicago’s Streets and Sanitation Department.

In one case Donlan says the bureau interview 200 applicants for line man jobs.

The applicants went through written and hands on tests.

But Donlan says he and others kept key sections of the forms blank.

Donlan says it was because City Hall hadn’t told him which politically connected applicants should get the jobs.

He says he usually got such direction from supervisors such as co-defendant Patrick Slattery.

Defense attorneys questioned whether Donlan mistook suggestions as orders.

As for the stacks of applications, Donlan says they languished in his office.

Budget cuts eventually stopped that round of hiring.