Perspectives: The Powers That Be
The mayoral housing forum that almost wasn’t
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The conversation on affordable housing in Chicago is changing, especially among mayoral candidates, but the realtors lobby still holds great sway.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
Ald. Ed Burke represents the worst of Chicago’s white political machine
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In his treatment of Chicago’s first black mayor, Harold Washington, Burke presaged the vitriolic tactics of President Donald Trump.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
Emanuel shores up downtown development on his way out
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By moving to finance the Lincoln Yards project and expand TIF, the lame-duck mayor cements his legacy of diverting tax dollars away from the pressing needs facing the city.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
Young progressives of color take on the City Council establishment
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Aldermanic hopefuls like Colin Bird-Martinez aim to turn out new, young voters in their wards for Chicago’s upcoming municipal elections.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
Now Pritzker needs to keep his progressive promises
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J.B. Pritzker won a resounding victory by outspending Gov. Bruce Rauner at every turn, downplaying ethical questions and racial tensions in his campaign, and presenting a clear alternative to Rauner’s failed incumbency. In a number of areas he took positions that were more progressive than the Democratic mainstream. But getting results on those promises will take lots of work on his part and even more organizing by activists. One key issue separated the two candidates: Pritzker was elected on a clear platform of implementing a progressive income tax, with higher rates for wealthier taxpayers. That’s an absolute necessity if Illinois is to get it’s fiscal house in order, meet its constitutional duty to fund schools adequately, and rebuild a safety net that Rauner decimated.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
On schools, Chicago’s next mayor should really listen to the community
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The failures of Rahm Emanuel’s education policies show the need for an elected school board and more accountability.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
Does Toni Preckwinkle deserve the aura of inevitability?
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The mayoral race has turned into a rare opportunity for Chicago to resist autocratic politics and have a robust debate on the critical issues facing the city.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
Justice for Laquan McDonald doesn’t end with Jason Van Dyke or the mayor
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Although Rahm Emanuel is bowing out, the system that conspired to cover up the shooting must still be held accountable.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
Chicago school policy is a driver of neighborhood violence, advocates say
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Parents have warned about the risks of closing and consolidating schools for years, but officials continue with plans that jeopardize student safety.
Perspectives: The Powers That Be
Chicago’s predatory tickets and fines exploit low-income drivers for revenue
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Like Ferguson, the city is using public safety systems punitively to raise money in ways that drive poor blacks and Latinos into debt and unemployment.