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* Fran Spielman interviews Rep. Kam Buckner about a possible run for Chicago mayor…
“The case to be made for me … would be some very clear and actionable plans about how we move the city forward … from a public safety standpoint. How do we create public safety where everybody in each of our 77 communities feels safe because, right now, people don’t.”
Asked why Lightfoot deserves to be a one-termer, Buckner homed in on the mayor’s inability to play well with others. He said it hamstrings her ability to be a “triangulating force” who brings disparate interests together to solve problems.
“There’s no secret that the mayor has a personality that a lot of folks don’t like. … We have spent way too much time bogged down in the politics of personality instead of the politics of getting stuff done,” he said.
“There were folks who weren’t fans of Rahm. There were folks who weren’t fans of Rich Daley. But, at the end of the day, it was about getting stuff done. That has to be the hallmark of how we operate in this city. I don’t need to agree with you in order to get to a solution.”
The entire interview is good, so click here. He talks about his arrest as well.
* The Question: Do you think Rep. Buckner should run for mayor? Make sure to explain your answer and keep in mind that I’m not asking if he will run for mayor, but whether he should do it.
* Related…
* IL Rep, Kam Buckner says Republican Gubernatorial Candidate’s “All Lives Matter” Campaign Opportunistic: What if, when your house was on fire, the fire department responded, “but all houses matter”? What if, when your town suffers a tragedy, the response is, “but all towns matter”? Black Lives Matter is not exclusionary. It is an acknowledgment that is necessary because historically, our lives have not mattered to those who would rather we didn’t exist as anything more than a commodity. This is upsetting to hear from anyone, let alone a Black man and a candidate for governor. It is patently unacceptable, cold, and timid to try to stand on both sides of one of the most consequential issues of our time. But movements built on and sustained by the unforgiving fight for equality, won’t be cheapened even, by those who try to make us doubt our own realities. All Lives Matter is a statement that ignores those realities and serves to negate the story of where we have been, in hopes of impeding the road to where we are going.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Mar 11, 22 @ 1:58 pm
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Should?
I’m always of the belief “run em all”… not ever quick to choose that someone not run, doesn’t mean I may think better of it if they don’t.
That said, should as in “choice”, I’d like to see how that campaign could shake out.
If Lightfoot is going to lose, someone needs to be able to beat her, the discussion(s) Buckner could bring or bring out could be something that Lightfoot might not be able to beat.
Should?
If Buckner thinks the job is still the “best” in America, then he should make a go, not many see that job like that anymore.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Mar 11, 22 @ 2:12 pm
Should he run for mayor?
Without hesitation to answer, yes.
I’ve seen his name many times when looking through proposed bills. He has his head on straight, and is focused on the right things. I’ll have to go back and look and verify, but he also seems to be able and understand how to get people on his side in supporting these bills when needed. Which is about 12 parsecs of distance from the current mayors abilities.
Long story short, his demonstrated leadership skills and big-picture views and focus on public service would make him an excellent mayor of Chicago.
Comment by TheInvisibleMan Friday, Mar 11, 22 @ 2:12 pm
“It was a night that I, frankly, should not have been behind the wheel… I’m grateful and thankful that nothing [happened] and no one got hurt”
I thought Kam was just tired…
““This was simply a result of exhaustion,” Buckner said in an email. “However, I respect the officers and the job they do every day as well as the process, in which I look forward to addressing the citation.” He said he plans to enter a plea of not guilty”
Comment by Donnie Elgin Friday, Mar 11, 22 @ 2:16 pm
I don’t know. Chicago right now is on the verge of being ungovernable. The problems are severe and entrenched. It’s beginning to remind me of New York in the 1970s.
Being the next Mayor of Chicago is a tough job. If he does it, I hope he goes in with his eyes wide open.
Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Mar 11, 22 @ 2:18 pm
I have no personal experience with him, but based on that interview, his ILGA.Gov bio, and various comments on this blog over recent months from commenters I respect, yes. He seems to understand that governing isn’t about bullying, it’s about working with others to make positive things happen. I think he would seek to understand what other people in any given situation need, and figure out ways to make compromise.
Comment by Leslie K Friday, Mar 11, 22 @ 2:18 pm
Yes.
The whole state suffers from Lightfoot being bad and embarrassing at her job and I think Buckner could do a better job.
He also seems better at politics.
Please run.
Comment by hisgirlfriday Friday, Mar 11, 22 @ 2:22 pm
“It was a night that I, frankly, should not have been behind the wheel. I’m grateful and thankful that nothing [happened] and no one got hurt that night. It was a blessing that I’m able to walk away from it and learn from that situation,” he said.
We are glad you’re alive but more importantly, that the others you endangered are ok. And no, you cannot be mayor.
Comment by Lurker Friday, Mar 11, 22 @ 2:24 pm
Yes. He should. He has a solid reputation for being someone both principled and reasonable. I think he is both right about Lightfoot’s personality and also hit on strong message point for a competitive campaign.
Comment by Montrose Friday, Mar 11, 22 @ 2:26 pm
Yes- any competent candidate capable of defeating Lightfoot should enter the race to take Chicago out of its misery. Lori is too dysfunctional
Comment by Sue Friday, Mar 11, 22 @ 2:31 pm
Don’t know.
I don’t know Buckner well enough to say whether he’s a flash in the pan or whether he offers something that the dozen or so other likely challengers don’t.
But I’d be surprised if we don’t get fewer than four or five plausible challengers to Lightfoot. These have been a tough couple of years for any mayor, to be sure, but Lightfoot keeps making unforced errors. I think there are still some people who like her, but I don’t think anyone loves her.
Comment by Benjamin Friday, Mar 11, 22 @ 2:31 pm
Should he run? YES - for all the reasons stated above (and below).
Will he go the distance and even make to election day? the only way to find out is to try it.
Right now, the field of good candidates (I do not consider LL a good candidate for Mayor of Chicago) is almost non-existent so far.
Comment by WesttownMatt Friday, Mar 11, 22 @ 2:33 pm
I dunno, would hate to lose one who could actually help reform the Ill Dems, statewide, but his words seem to be of deep passion and concern for Chicago. I guess there is always another who could take his place in as a state rep, but will those who like the Loris and Rahms actually FULLY support him, or at least stay neutral? Would also hate to see talented possibles lost to the mired muck of what is Chicago city, where it seems people would expect a miracle maker. Just as it will take a decade or two to reform the state party, The City will need the same. He could be formidable, as long as he has proper support and backing.
With necessary backing and support, or at least with the biggety bigs remaining neutral, he should run.
Comment by The Hills 60010 Friday, Mar 11, 22 @ 2:36 pm
I agree with 47th (and Chuy) about the city being near-ungovernable for the next decade. But I’d still rather have someone competent in the role rather than someone who’s burned literally every bridge and olive branch in less than three years.
So I’ll welcome anyone who fits that bill and I think Kam has the smarts and temperament to do it. Doesn’t mean I’d automatically support him (except in a 1:1 vs MLL) but he wouldn’t have to work that hard to get my vote - I already know he’s a good dude - it would just be dependent on the competition
Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Friday, Mar 11, 22 @ 2:55 pm
Has there ever been a mayor elected to Chicago who was in his or her 30’s?
Comment by Time Machine Friday, Mar 11, 22 @ 3:01 pm
No. His arrest for DUI shows a lack of maturity and judgment. And it’s been three years and the case still is not resolved
Comment by No Contest Friday, Mar 11, 22 @ 3:10 pm
This thread reminds me of when Emmanuel announced he wasn’t running for re-election and my brother moaned about how awful it was “we” would have to pick a new mayor. I reminded him that as a resident of Homewood, there was no “we” there.
Comment by Cheryl44 Friday, Mar 11, 22 @ 3:10 pm
Does Rep Buckner have a position on law enforcement and crime reduction in Chicago?
Comment by Chris Friday, Mar 11, 22 @ 3:30 pm
Almost anybody but LL. So sure.
Comment by New Day Friday, Mar 11, 22 @ 3:37 pm
he has amazing potential, but he wasn’t simply asleep behind the wheel at that time of night. he should own up, and admit that it was more than just fatigue. his story simply isn’t believable. if he told the whole truth, he would win over far more voters than he might lose for the actual offense. we are all human. we make mistakes. people respect those who fess up and are accountable, something needed now more than ever. until he owns that one night of his life, and sets the record straight, others will define it for him, and it will be unpleasant for him and his family.
Comment by wilco Friday, Mar 11, 22 @ 3:56 pm
He is very good people, but if we learned anything from this experience with Lightfoot it’s that we need someone in this office that has extensive experience working and operating on the executive side of government. We need someone that has worked through leadership challenges and crisis and has managed big teams and programs. Someone who is really ready on day one and not going to grow into the job. It’s not enough to have good ideas and vision. The city needs much much more than that especially on the heels of what has been a very challenging time and an administration that has come up short time and time again.
Comment by Shytown Friday, Mar 11, 22 @ 4:08 pm
@47th with respect
I used to argue, with cool evidence and all, that Cook County was essentially ungovernable. Then came Toni P.
I have high hopes for our beloved City of Chicago.
Comment by walker Friday, Mar 11, 22 @ 4:18 pm
Meh. His answer on juvenile crime at minute 24 or so is wanting. But Pat Ryan’s pal so I guess he’s a Clear Eyes Full Hearts….. oh wait, DUI….
Comment by Amalia Friday, Mar 11, 22 @ 4:40 pm