City Council progressives are ready to help lead Chicago following the most dramatic aldermanic elections in a generation. Our ranks have been increased with the election of several outstanding new leaders. Our obligation now is to put forward a positive vision for the city and give every resident a new reason to hope.
Progressives are united in the conviction that reform produces results.
Reform protects taxpayers from fraud and abuse. Reform guarantees that every neighborhood benefits equally from our success as a city. Reform is never a distraction to progressive government; it is the brain that moves every muscle of municipal action.
Members of the City Council must get our own house in order before we can engage the administration in a thoughtful conversation about reform. We should limit campaign contributions from developers — and labor unions. Bottomless campaign funds produce endless campaigns and benefit no one in the end.
We also need to hold ourselves to higher standards. It is time to give the inspector general the ability to vigorously pursue corruption inside the people’s government.
Even as we pursue reform and change, progressives will always be guided by our permanent commitment to including more people in the prosperity of our city. In concrete terms, this means giving everyone who wants to work the opportunity to find a job — a job that pays a living wage. Working parents should never be forced to raise their children in poverty. We will work with the administration to create a business-friendly environment, but we will only be friendly toward businesses that treat workers with respect.
Progressives government also means government that prepares for the future by investing in our schools, mass transit and our health-care systems. It’s time to stop moving the goal posts for educational reform and honestly inform parents of our plans for the school system. It’s time to improve coordination between our health-care providers and bring accountability back to big institutions like Stroger Hospital.
Finally, with the departure of Frank Kruesi, it’s time to give our city the world-class transit system we deserve.
Progressive government is responsible government that treats taxpayers with respect. As the city moves to sell off its infrastructure and move toward private management, taxpayers must see some of the benefits. The Skyway is gone, our downtown parking garages are sold, but taxpayers are still waiting to see rate relief. Future infrastructure sales must benefit taxpayers and workers. Preparation now can avoid a pension crisis in the future.
These are times of extraordinary opportunity for everyone who wishes our city well, and creative reform is the key to protecting our future. Council progressives are grateful for the trust city voters have placed in us, and we look forward to delivering real results in return.