Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Friday called Democratic governor candidate Chris Kennedy’s claim that the mayor is making Chicago “whiter” and wealthier a “hallucinatory” insult.
Emanuel said he’s “looking forward to ideas, not insults” in his first public comments since Kennedy on Wednesday accused him of leading a “strategic gentrification plan” forcing African-American residents out of the city.
“It is easy to cast blame and point fingers,” the mayor said. “Where are the ideas? Where are the solutions, real solutions to real challenges that make those challenges opportunities?”
Emanuel also quoted a Chicago Tribune editorial that was critical of Kennedy’s comments. “As the Chicago Tribune referred to it today as imaginary, hallucinatory,” he said. “I hope nobody ever describes any of my ideas that way.” […]
On Friday, the mayor appeared before reporters at a factory in the heavily African-American South Austin neighborhood to talk about the city’s move to install new street lights, starting in black neighborhoods on the South and West sides. He was surrounded by several African-American aldermen and employees at the made-for-TV event and talked about offering job opportunities to ex-offenders and other Chicago residents as the kind of idea Kennedy should be pushing.
In his first public appearance after a long family vacation, Emanuel was asked why he believes African-Americans are leaving the city in droves and whether he’s troubled by it.
“Of course it troubles me. Which is why we’re making investments in the neighborhoods across the city,” the mayor said.
“That’s a longer discussion that’s worthy of a serious discussion of the change going on in the city and the population, where a lot more people are moving in. Different people. Some people are moving out. It has to do with a lot of different factors — not one factor…What do you do to change that? That’s different than trying to cast blame as if this is somebody’s plan.” […]
“If we continue to invest in our city and invest in every part of the city and give it a future where everybody feels hopeful about that tomorrow for not only them but their children, we’re gonna continue to be a city of vibrancy,” the mayor said Friday.
*** UPDATE *** Press release…
Statement from Rebecca Evans, spokeswoman for Chris Kennedy:
Unlike JB Pritzker, who continues to remain silent to protect the political establishment, Chris Kennedy has the political courage to speak truth to power. He will stand up to anyone regardless of party, position or influence if it means standing up for justice, equality and opportunity for everyone in Illinois.
Chris Kennedy isn’t hiding behind $17 million worth of scripted TV ads. He will use his voice to stand up for what is right even if it’s calling out inconvenient truths that are hurting people of color in Chicago.
He has said from the start of this campaign that he wants to dismantle the structural inequities that exist in our government. He has put forward real solutions and plans on how we can do it. We must allow an elected school board, stop closing public schools, put an end to the discriminatory property tax racket, and fully address the civil rights violations described in the Department of Justice’s report on the Chicago Police Department.
On a conference call with reporters IDPH Director Nirav Shah details why the state waited 6 days to public about the Legionnaires outbreak at the Quincy Vet Home. “Before we go public we have to get our facts straight.”
They knew they had an outbreak. They didn’t inform the residents and their families, so nobody could take precautions. That’s a problem. A real problem. How about promising never to do that again to show you’ve learned something?
* So, this sounds bogus…
"We determined that the risk here of going up too early and providing misinformation could cause panic or dilute our voice later." - @GovRauner Public Health Director Dr. Nirav Shah on why they waited six days to announce Legionaries at #Quincy@wlsam890
TIMELINE 8/21/15: IDPH recognizes "beginning of an epidemic" 8/23: IDPH notifies CDC of 5 confirmed Legionnaires' cases 8/24: IDVA spox said he didn't intend to publicize test results unless “directed or in the case of wide media interest" 8/27: State notifies public of outbreak https://t.co/yM8vNISsDH
— Illinois Working Together (@IllinoisWorking) January 5, 2018
The water system at a state-run veterans’ home in Quincy where 13 people have died of Legionnaires’ disease may never be fully cleansed of the bacteria that causes the sometimes fatal illness, and more cases could be inevitable, federal public health authorities warned Thursday.
In a new report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encouraged the state to undertake a series of new precautions aimed at curtailing the threat of more Legionnaires’ cases at the 132-year-old Illinois Veterans Home, but conceded none of its recommendations represent an ironclad safeguard for the facility’s nearly 400 residents.
“While adoption of these recommendations should further reduce risk, the possibility of future cases of disease associated with the [Quincy veterans’ home] cannot be eliminated,” the CDC said in a report released by Illinois public health authorities.
Nobody can ever guarantee that anywhere. The issue is about making sure that a very vulnerable population is treated as quickly as possible. That’s the real lesson here. According to the original WBEZ report, residents with obvious symptoms (including high fevers) were not immediately tested for Legionnaires’ and were therefore given aspirin instead of antibiotics.
Durbin says after meeting with Rauner at Quincy Vets Home he no longer seeks facility’s closing as long as state has plan to move forward. Offers federal funding help to deal with Legionnaire’s Disease. “We need to do more,” Durbin said.
When Gov. Rauner is done with his stay at the veteran’s home in Quincy, MRE says he should “bring his sleeping bag” to the shell of a vets home in Chicago where construction was halted by the state. pic.twitter.com/X78iJx4Ts0
* Quincy mayor vows support of veterans’ home: “We know the state is not hiding from this, but is doing everything they can to stop further outbreaks,” Moore continued. “The Quincy Veterans’ Home has over 131 years of experience in caring for our veterans, providing them with 210 acres in a park-like setting to live out their days with the respect and dignity they deserve. Over 500 employees dedicate their lives to taking care of our veterans and have enormous pride in the quality of care they deliver. Our committee’s goal is to work with the Quincy Veterans’ Home to tell their story, to support the staff who provide quality care to the veterans who call this their home.“
In light of today’s report by the Chicago Tribune highlighting the damages caused to Illinois farming communities by the controversial Dakota Access Pipeline, Daniel Biss is calling on candidates for governor to divest from all holdings in dirty energy companies.
“The Dakota Access Pipeline is already damaging crops and natural spaces, lowering property values, and threatening leaks and spills in Illinois’ farming communities. Despite nationwide opposition by environmental activists and protests by Native Americans for building on sacred ground, J.B. cared more about his own profits. J.B.’s investments in the Dakota Access Pipeline are a clear conflict of interest, an unconscionable affront to affected Illinois families, and a concerning contradiction of his self-described progressive values.
“Just last year, Gov. Bruce Rauner allowed Dynergy to set its own emissions standards, so we know the consequences of having a governor who puts corporate profits over protecting the environment and Illinois families. To eliminate these conflicts of interests and ensure Illinois is a leader in clean energy, Bruce Rauner, J.B. Pritzker and Chris Kennedy should divest from all holdings in dirty energy companies as they run for governor.”
* Pritzker campaign yesterday…
For years, our failed governor, @BruceRauner, has resisted policies and worked against protecting our planet.
Illinois deserves a real leader, and when I'm governor, I will be 100% committed in the fight to protect our environment. pic.twitter.com/uHrnfHm7FD
Last night, J.B. Pritzker was talking a big game on climate change. But what he won’t tell anyone is that he’s personally profiting from his investments in a company that’s helping construct the Keystone Pipeline, three companies that use fracking, and Exxon and Chevron.
J.B. Pritzker likes to talk about how he’s a die-hard progressive. But the truth is, he’ll pull the wool over the eyes of Democrats if it makes him more money.
Will Allison
Communications Director
Citizens for Rauner
*** UPDATE 1 *** Biss campaign…
Daniel Biss spokesman Tom Elliott issued the following statement today, reiterating the campaign’s position that any candidate for governor, from any party, should not be supporting and profiting from investments in the Dakota Access Pipeline:
“Yesterday, Daniel Biss called for all candidates to divest from any and all holdings in dirty energy companies, including the Dakota Access Pipeline. This isn’t just directed at J.B. Pritzker - Daniel also believes that Chris Kennedy should divest from his own investments in Exxon Mobil, Halliburton, ConocoPhillips, and Occidental Petroleum, as well as for Bruce Rauner to divest from his holdings in some of those very same companies, including Halliburton, Exxon Mobil, and his own stake in the Dakota Access Pipeline.
“Speaking of Rauner, the only thing more ridiculous than his hypocrisy on this attack is his failure to note that Pritzker is invested in the Dakota Access Pipeline, not Keystone. Apparently the governor isn’t a big details guy, which must be why he lets polluters like Dynergy write their own rules, so he doesn’t have to be bothered.”
*** UPDATE 2 *** IMA’s Mark Denzler…
Political pandering is unfortunately expected at this time of year. However, politicians may want to consider that millions of Illinoisans have heat in their homes and businesses this week during record cold temperatures thanks to these “energy companies” that supply our grid throughout the year and especially during peak times. Perhaps they don’t realize that petroleum products are used to grease wind turbines and petroleum-based chemicals are used on solar panels. Further, the companies mentioned are spending billions of dollars investing in sustainable and alternative energy research and own or operate wind farms, solar panels, geothermal technology, and hydroelectric power.
Illinois doesn’t need political fairy dust. We need real leaders and real solutions to the challenges facing the state. And Illinois needs to keep an “all of the above” domestic approach when it comes to energy that includes nuclear, coal, oil, natural gas, and renewables.
Today, the JB Pritzker campaign released two new TV ads, “All Ideas” and “Real Change.” The ads highlight how JB and Juliana will beat Bruce Rauner and bring real change to Illinois, and will air in markets across the state.
Throughout the campaign, JB and Juliana have released detailed plans to move Illinois forward, including how they will expand healthcare, grow the economy and create jobs, and support quality childcare and preschool. “All Ideas” features JB and Juliana direct to camera highlighting their plans for Illinois and “Real Change” features supporters sharing JB’s vision and commitment to moving Illinois forward.
“I’m focused on beating Bruce Rauner and getting Illinois back on track,” said JB Pritzker. “Throughout this campaign, I’ve put forward real policy plans to repair Rauner’s damage and bring real change to Illinois. I’m thrilled by the energy and support our campaign has received from people across the state, and I know we’re ready to come together to move Illinois forward.”
“J.B. Pritzker’s so-called ‘detailed plan’ to increase taxes is light on details because he knows he can’t make the math work for all of his new spending. Pritzker says he’ll hike taxes even higher than Madigan, but won’t say by how much. Pritzker’s tax hike plan lacks specifics because he knows it will decimate Illinois jobs and small businesses. Illinois taxpayers can’t afford J.B. Pritzker working hand in hand with Mike Madigan in Springfield to hike taxes even higher.” - Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Aaron DeGroot
Today, J.B. Pritzker’s campaign for governor released two new television ads touting a “detailed plan” to hike taxes even higher than Mike Madigan’s recent 32% tax hike.
So how detailed is Pritzker’s tax hike plan?
Not detailed at all. In fact, Pritzker’s tax hike plan doesn’t even say what the tax rates will be. He just promises that taxes will be going up, decimating Illinois small businesses in the process, as one independent group said about a similar tax hike plan.
So where exactly are J.B. Pritzker’s so-called “detailed plans” to hike taxes? How high is Pritzker willing to increase taxes? Does Pritzker think further tax hikes won’t destroy jobs or increase the exodus of Illinois families to other states? These are questions Pritzker must answer.
Since J.B. Pritzker is light on details, perhaps Illinois voters should give his political patron, Mike Madigan, a call.
