* I have heard some African-American politicians say this in private as far back as Mayor Richard M. Daley’s tenure…
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Chris Kennedy on Wednesday accused Mayor Rahm Emanuel of being part of a “strategic gentrification plan being implemented by the city of Chicago to push people of color out” of the city. […]
Asked about minorities moving from the city to the suburbs, Kennedy said: “My belief is they are being pushed out. This is involuntary. We’re cutting off money for schools, cutting off money for police, allowing people to be forced to live in food deserts, closing hospitals, closing access to mental health facilities.”
“What choice do people have but to move, to leave, and I think that’s part of a strategic gentrification plan being implemented by the city of Chicago to push people of color out of the city?
Asked who is behind the alleged plan to push out minorities, Kennedy pointed to Emanuel.
“I believe in the tone at the top,” he said. “I believe the mayor is aware of what’s going on, and I think he is allowing that to occur and in some ways encouraging it.”
* More…
…Adding… He could’ve had an epiphany since then I suppose, but good question nonetheless…
…Adding… Tribune…
Kennedy cited as an example of the “strategic gentrification plan” a move by CPS to close four South Side high schools for a year before a new school opens in 2019.
“I don’t know what you can say when the strategic plan for Chicago Public Schools suggest that the entire community of Englewood can go an entire year without access to a high school,” he said.
“What are you saying to the people there? No one’s going to move there who’s got a high school kid. And anybody with a high school kid has to think about what they’re going to do. It’s just a device to empty out the community,” he said.
The CTU’s Twitter account seems to be nodding the union’s approval. Check it out.
*** UPDATE 1 *** Sun-Times…
In response to Kennedy’s comments about city violence, Police Supt. Eddie Johnson released a statement.
“I’ve never heard from Chris Kennedy. I’ve never even met him. He’s never visited a police station or asked me or my team for any kind of briefing on what we are doing in Chicago to address the gang violence and ongoing infusion of illegal guns on to our streets,” Johnson said in the statement.
“I don’t recall seeing him at our CAPS meetings or in our beat meetings. As far as I can tell he hasn’t spoken to one officer or any of CPD leadership. I’m not a politician but I do take issue when the hard work our men and women are doing to beat back this violence is used to score political points. In terms of violence reductions, no one is spiking the ball, but we must acknowledge and build upon the commitment and progress being made by communities and officers working together to reduce crime.”
*** UPDATE 2 *** Mayor’s office…
“It’s sad to see Chris Kennedy joining President Trump and Governor Rauner in using cynical, politically motivated attacks about Chicago’s communities for his own personal gain. His divisive comments today are a direct assault on one of this city’s great strengths — our diversity — and they ignore the work being done in neighborhoods across the City - and in conjunction with community leaders and residents — to improve the quality of life for everyone who calls Chicago home. The noise of this particular election will come and go, and when it does we’ll still be focusing on boosting neighborhood small businesses, investing in our schools, and improving public safety.” - Matt McGrath, mayoral spokesman
* Related…
* Chris Kennedy Discusses Illinois’ Gun Violence Problem, His Plan For Change: Solidifying his stance as not a regular Democrat, he said leaders of his party are part of an economic system that pushes minorities out of the city. And, he added, Republican Governor Bruce Rauner strangles social programs to help victims of violence and the poor.
