On November 19, 2013 the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) and Haymarket Books hosted a book-signing party at the Haymarket Pub and Brewery, 737 W. Randolph St. It was a good reason to discuss Chicago politics and the next mayor election. Ms. Kari Lydersen read from her book, Mayor 1% to start the evening. Then a panel discussion was followed by a question and answer period.
No one would disagree that Mayor Emmanuel has been awful for education reform, mental health, public sector employees, free speech and safety in the city. Emmanuel's private sector approach to problems has alienated the working class public sector who feel they are not part of his new vision for Chicago. The city has become a battleground in the right wing war against the Teacher Union and the public sector. And this guy is a Democrat.
The panel conceded that it will not be easy to vote Emmanuel from office for many reasons. Emmanuel continues to raise campaign funds by, even against his own rule to not collect from city contractors. He has raised about $5 million so far. There is also no viable candidate that has come forward at this point, much less raise enough campaign money to compete. Many top candidates for mayor backed out in 2010 when Emmanuel announced his candidacy.
The panelists varied in their opinion on Emmanuel's re-election. Mr. Johnson, CTU and Ms. Patel, Grassroots Collaborative were confident a grass roots effort will unseat Mr. Emmanuel. Mr. Joravsky, Chicago Reader was not so sure given the apathy of the Chicago voter, described in this article.
But in the end there is no doubt, Mr. Emmanuel will not be the next mayor of Chicago.
No one would disagree that Mayor Emmanuel has been awful for education reform, mental health, public sector employees, free speech and safety in the city. Emmanuel's private sector approach to problems has alienated the working class public sector who feel they are not part of his new vision for Chicago. The city has become a battleground in the right wing war against the Teacher Union and the public sector. And this guy is a Democrat.
The panel conceded that it will not be easy to vote Emmanuel from office for many reasons. Emmanuel continues to raise campaign funds by, even against his own rule to not collect from city contractors. He has raised about $5 million so far. There is also no viable candidate that has come forward at this point, much less raise enough campaign money to compete. Many top candidates for mayor backed out in 2010 when Emmanuel announced his candidacy.
The panelists varied in their opinion on Emmanuel's re-election. Mr. Johnson, CTU and Ms. Patel, Grassroots Collaborative were confident a grass roots effort will unseat Mr. Emmanuel. Mr. Joravsky, Chicago Reader was not so sure given the apathy of the Chicago voter, described in this article.
But in the end there is no doubt, Mr. Emmanuel will not be the next mayor of Chicago.