Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar


Latest Post | Last 10 Posts | Archives


Previous Post: Live coverage
Next Post: Open thread

Isabel’s morning briefing

Posted in:

* ICYMI: Former Chicago Ald. Ed Burke’s trial begins today. Jon Seidel

* Related stories…

* Isabel’s top picks…

* Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa’s resignation statement after Chicago City Council members called for him to step down

Much has been reported about last week’s incidents at a special meeting of the Chicago City Council. Tensions were high at a chaotic meeting, and I let that get the best of me, leading me to act in a way unbecoming of a leader. I sincerely apologize to my colleague, Alderwoman Emma Mitts, for the disrespectful interaction outside of Council Chambers. I also apologize to other colleagues who I have heard also felt disrespected and harmed by my actions — Alderpeople Lee, Cardona, and Taliaferro.

I feel awful about everything that happened. I have reached out to my colleagues to apologize directly and seek to make amends. I made mistakes, and I learned valuable lessons. I take full responsibility for what I’ve done.

Our Chicago City Council does important work and, even when we strongly disagree on policy or approach, it is critical that we show each other respect. The people of Chicago deserve nothing less and have every right to demand that of us.

Because the position of Floor Leader especially requires the confidence of our colleagues, and because through my actions I lost that confidence, I have informed the mayor that I will be stepping down from that position. Furthermore, I am resigning as Chair of the Committee on Zoning, Landmarks, and Building Standards effective December 1st, to allow time for an effective transition.

I cannot take away the mistakes I made last week. But I hope to be able to rebuild the trust we have in each other as we move forward as a Council that addresses the important issues impacting Chicago.

* From Mayor Brandon Johnson…

“Over the weekend, I spoke with Alderwoman Emma Mitts and Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa. Yesterday, Alderman Ramirez-Rosa and I agreed he should step down from his positions as Chicago City Council Floor Leader and Chair of the Committee on Zoning, Landmarks, and Building Standards.

Alderwoman Mitts is a venerable leader and woman of abiding faith, who is committed to public service and the principles of accountability and mercy. Alderman Ramirez-Rosa has acknowledged his transgressions, apologized to his colleagues and committed himself to rebuilding trust.

It is not lost on me that Thursday’s events occurred during a time of heightened tension at City Hall. In recent months, the forces of division have preyed on our city, pitting us against each other in the most destructive ways. I am confident we will find a way to move forward and regain the trust and respect necessary to have a functioning legislative body.

Let us all recommit ourselves to the principles of respect and civility upon which our work and our democracy depend. Together, we can and will build a better, stronger, safer Chicago for all.

* Something to keep in mind

Yes, it's rare that the appellate court would rule one way and then make a final decision the other way, but we're still not at the final decision stage. This will likely head directly to USSCt and/or lead to an expedited trial in Chicago

— Capitol Fax (@capitolfax) November 4, 2023


* Here’s the rest of your morning roundup…

posted by Isabel Miller
Monday, Nov 6, 23 @ 8:39 am

Comments

  1. ===I cannot take away the mistakes I made last week. But I hope to be able to rebuild the trust we have in each other as we move forward as a Council that addresses the important issues impacting Chicago.===

    Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa is exactly who I thought he was, *way* back to Biss, just not ready for the bright lights.

    He just was never-ever ready for prime time.

    “Like… ever”

    - Taylor Swift, attributed

    Also… a good example of that?

    ===Tensions were high at a chaotic meeting, and I let that get the best of me, leading me to act in a way unbecoming of a leader===

    Not ready for prime time, part 3,266

    I appreciate the recognition, but it’s a theme with him, not “one offs”.

    He has learned nothing, but the apology and owning it this time is a better sign.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 6, 23 @ 8:50 am

  2. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa was an odd choice to be floor leader. While committed to social justice, he’s always been a divisive and polarizing figure. Then again, that’s generally been the approach of all the elected officials from the CTU farm system. First Biss dropped Rosa, and now this. Hubris keeps taking down Rosa.

    Comment by Pragmatist Monday, Nov 6, 23 @ 9:11 am

  3. The CRR fiasco should have been resolved by Friday evening. The mayor’s advisors and press lead are clearly lost time and time again on how to respond to any crisis. In the mayor’s absence the opposition and politically hungry had all weekend to pile on the mayor, CRR, and CTU team. This slow turtle-like pace is not fit for a mayor and has exposed how weak the CTU and UWD machine is.

    Comment by Another Bad Week for Da Mayor Monday, Nov 6, 23 @ 9:16 am

  4. From the ST Article: “When the mayor finally did reach her on Sunday, sources said Mitts told the mayor and her pastor that Ramirez-Rosa did not “put his hands” on her while attempting to prevent her from entering the chambers.”

    It’s infuriating to see the classic discredit the victim play being used here. When a woman elected with this much seniority has her credibility attacked, the chilling effect on others being mistreated in their workplace is very real. It’s not ok.

    Comment by Kelly Cassidy Monday, Nov 6, 23 @ 9:25 am

  5. Mr. Rosa has some demons he needs to work out

    Comment by wowie Monday, Nov 6, 23 @ 9:35 am

  6. Of course, we shouldn’t forget when CRR was harassing a gentleman in a bar.

    An odd choice for leadership indeed. He might need to take time to square away his problems.

    Comment by wowie Monday, Nov 6, 23 @ 9:42 am

  7. I’d also add, on its own;

    It’s about Carlos Ramirez-Rosa. That’s what this is about.

    Making it to a bigger, broader discussion, or “CTU”, or an underpinning of a bigger movement failure… “no”

    It’s actually no different than Biss, sometimes the people you choose make it difficult to the mission of actually governing. Personnel is Policy, Johnson chose a person, it was a poor choice. It’s also not much of a shocking surprise.

    Carlos Ramirez-Rosa hasn’t learned all that much about himself or how to handle himself with new power.

    The surprise would’ve been Carlos Ramirez-Rosa being effective, collaborative, a listener more than a yeller and a person consumed in finding consensus to govern effectively for the mayor who entrusted him to lead the floor.

    If you stop for 2 minutes away from “CTU” (even when it’s quite easy to take the shots at all) and realize how alone Carlos Ramirez-Rosa is by being who he is, then it makes sense that instead of taking the Friday News Dump out, Carlos Ramirez-Rosa now has made this a “new week” discussion… because being selfless towards a better way is still not a thought.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 6, 23 @ 9:44 am

  8. Ald Carlos Ramirez-Rosa really needs to be censured if he doesn’t resign his seat.

    Also, the progressives on City Council should learn how to count votes before engaging in bullying procedural tactics and complicated maneuvers to kill votes on ordinances. They look horrible, they are losing badly, and they are drawing attention to issues that poll very poorly for progressive elected officials with Chicago voters.

    Comment by Sheila Monday, Nov 6, 23 @ 9:59 am

  9. The CTU backed Democratic socialists in Chicago sure are alot better at winning elections than actually improving any of the myriad of the massive problems Chicago is dealing with.

    Several seem to think they are also charged with solving the Israeli Palestinian conflict

    Comment by Lucky Pierre Monday, Nov 6, 23 @ 10:38 am

  10. An interesting twist on this scholarship situation.

    Trade Unions teach trade skills. Were they to work deliberately with the public schools, I have no problem with using state funds to sponsor trade programs, but only in public schools.

    On the other hand, helping 10,000 middle income household avoid public schools by offering “tuition adjustments” to private schools is a no go. Time to let the program end. The end has always been in sight, and the context has never changed.

    If the private schools want to keep the children they have served and educated, they can always do so. But the burden is on the private schools and the families enrolled there; not on the taxpayers.

    Comment by H-W Monday, Nov 6, 23 @ 10:44 am

  11. How on earth can you describe all the 10,000 Invest in Kids scholarship recipients as being middle income households?

    The median household income in Chicago for age 25-44 is $80,000

    https://www.point2homes.com/US/Neighborhood/IL/Chicago-Demographics.html

    Why is the end in sight for a popular program because a minority don’t like it?

    Comment by Lucky Pierre Monday, Nov 6, 23 @ 11:00 am

  12. ===Why is the end in sight===

    71-36-1.

    Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Nov 6, 23 @ 11:06 am

  13. ===71-36-1.===

    I’d start with the Eastern Bloc folks that will likely sink the whole thing before it’ll matter how many Dems are Red on it.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 6, 23 @ 11:08 am

  14. =Why is the end in sight for a popular program because a minority don’t like it?=

    Because it violates the establishment clause of the USSC. I can think of a few other reasons, but that is a big one.

    The right to reproductive health is wildly popular, regardless or part, do you support that too?

    Comment by JS Mill Monday, Nov 6, 23 @ 11:16 am

  15. ==Why is the end in sight==

    You sure seem to have a limited understanding of the legislative process. No amount of whining you do will change the fact that your side cannot find the necessary votes. A compromise plan was floated that members on your side said no to. It’s more of the same “my way or the highway” attitude.

    Comment by Demoralized Monday, Nov 6, 23 @ 11:30 am

  16. I think CRR has made bad decisions. He has decided not to govern but rather continue on a “quest”. Not sure what it is as it seems to change with every Twitter post.
    He is not a serious alderman. He is not interested in governing, but rather pushing an agenda that political ties want from him. Using the city as their experiment for all of their policies.
    You have your ideals, your political bent, your passion- you are however the floor leader which means negotiating, compromise, deal making, working together with people you may not ever agree with or like.

    Carlos doesn’t have that in him. If he did he’d be able to do this by now.

    Comment by Frida's boss Monday, Nov 6, 23 @ 11:46 am

  17. Interesting to see these powerful labor leaders supporting Invest for Kids.
    Actually think 71 votes will be hard to get this time around, but it will be possible and I think it is important to see where the members of the General Assembly are at. The Parents and Children that support this program worked hard to lobby the GA and the Governor. They deserve a vote.
    Con law was my favorite law school class and I like to follow the US Supreme Court history, but certainly no con law expert. Just not aware of a case that indicates this program is a violation of the US Constitution. At least 19 states have moved in the direction of giving parents options regarding their children’s education.
    With reading and math scores so low in Illinois I appreciate the desire of parents to seek different options. Why not listen to the families involved in the program?

    Comment by Back to the Future Monday, Nov 6, 23 @ 11:53 am

  18. - Time to let the program end. -

    The program doesn’t have wide spread support because the suburbs don’t want vouchers from the city coming to their schools. Other states want reforms in education , Illinois isn’t in that group.

    Comment by Jocko's Prison Monday, Nov 6, 23 @ 12:07 pm

  19. The saddest part of the Carlos Ramirez Rosa saga is that progressives organized and fought diligently for the last 15 years, starting w/Karen Lewis, to get to this moment, and CRR and Stacey Davis Gates are blowing their shot. Here is to a fast recovery and reset for the mayor. He needs it as we head to winter, as the migrant crisis requires real leadership.

    Comment by Pragmatist Monday, Nov 6, 23 @ 12:54 pm

  20. =The Parents and Children that support this program worked hard to lobby the GA and the Governor. They deserve a vote.
    Con law was my favorite law school class and I like to follow the US Supreme Court history, but certainly no con law expert. Just not aware of a case that indicates this program is a violation of the US Constitution. At least 19 states have moved in the direction of giving parents options regarding their children’s education.=

    They get one every few years when we have state-level elections. That is how a representative form of government works.

    =With reading and math scores so low in Illinois I appreciate the desire of parents to seek different options. Why not listen to the families involved in the program?=

    What is their curricular and or instructional expertise? I have never read any statements to that effect. Maybe they should spend a few nights helping their kids with their homework.

    Maybe check out the school report card, pay special attention to the section on chronic absenteeism. If kids are not in school it is very difficult to learn. The excuses we get broder on the surreal sometimes. Add to that a state legislature that seemingly invents new reasons for kids not to be in school and gutting truancy funding. Now, tell me about instructional effectiveness.

    =Con law was my favorite law school class and I like to follow the US Supreme Court history, but certainly no con law expert. Just not aware of a case that indicates this program is a violation of the US Constitution.=

    This is someting you would have learned in 8th grade.

    =At least 19 states have moved in the direction of giving parents options regarding their children’s education.=

    Using your math, that means 31 do not. Seems like that is the more popular choice. And even that is a bit misleading since parents can move if they do not like the school system.

    Comment by JS Mill Monday, Nov 6, 23 @ 12:59 pm

  21. =Maybe check out the school report card, pay special attention to the section on chronic absenteeism. If kids are not in school it is very difficult to learn.=

    I can’t tell you how many parents I know that don’t think twice about taking their kids to Disney World mid-term and are indignant because the schools aren’t more accommodating. Lousy parenting crosses all socio-economic lines.

    Invest in kids was never about “the kids” (poor or otherwise) as it was a thinly veiled attempt to funnel money to private schools while providing a tax break. But any of theses benevolent donors are free to donate to private schools without the corresponding tax credit.

    Comment by Pundent Monday, Nov 6, 23 @ 1:12 pm

  22. =Other states want reforms in education=

    Vouchers are not about reform. They are about sending public money to parochial schools. Or evading taxes.

    Comment by JS Mill Monday, Nov 6, 23 @ 1:37 pm

  23. ===Actually think 71 votes will be hard to get this time around, but it will be possible and I think it is important to see where the members of the General Assembly are at.===

    Sure, lol

    You run bills only if the desired outcome is the forgone conclusion.

    You want it to pass, fail, if the bill will do as wanted “run it”

    Watching the Mensa Group from the Eastern Bloc be Red and help sink it would be a big win for Pritzker… and again make the teachers’ union look ridiculous by going after Pritzker.

    ===Why not listen to the families involved in the program?===

    Anecdotal isn’t data, otherwise we’d be inundated with data.

    The kids are the vessels to fund private schools by helping wealthy folks get tax breaks.

    The new bill intrigues me, but the Mensas already are going to sink it, so why even look at it?

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 6, 23 @ 1:44 pm

  24. Ed Burke is one of the most ornery elected officials you’ll ever meet. No one will miss him.

    Comment by low level Monday, Nov 6, 23 @ 1:51 pm

  25. As they say, if you are not happy with half a loaf you really are not hungry.
    Of course, with a waiting list of 26,000 kids and poor test scores expanding this program or going to some other idea will probably be on the table at some point, but time to vote on this compromise now.
    If the Eastern Bloc wants to vote “No” on the compromise then they really are not doing much to move the ball down the field. They can explain their vote to their local voters.

    Comment by Back to the Future Monday, Nov 6, 23 @ 2:11 pm

  26. ===They can explain their vote to their local voters.===

    Meh, this is now a niche issue that being “against it” or against a compromise is playing to zealots of private education, not looking at any greater good.

    A warped way I look at is it’s gonna be people who complained about stopping school sports during Covid.

    * those folks ain’t your voters anyway
    * it’s not an issue that will lose seats en mass
    * losing only strengthens fundraising for grifters

    There were multiple chances (so far) to compromise. Pritzker will look like a genius as the Eastern Bloc let’s all who will hear “all or nothing, expand not retreat”

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 6, 23 @ 2:17 pm

  27. ===Why not listen to the families involved in the program?===

    Alternatively, if there are 194.5 students enrolled in public schools for every 1 student receiving a tuition discount via Invest in Kids, then perhaps the parents of the 194.5 ought to have a stronger voice that the 1.

    At a ratio of 194.5-to-1, we are talking about unequal access and differential treatment. Equality before the law might suggest the private schools need to create and addition 194 seat for the 1 seat they currently offer.

    This program advantages 1 middle income families over the other 194.5 families that are not assisted in this way. And until the private sector is able to take in all who wish, and treat them all equal (and not proselytize), then this program violates the fundamental obligation of the state to provide equally and equitable for the education of all its citizenry.

    Comment by H-W Monday, Nov 6, 23 @ 3:12 pm

  28. =poor test scores=

    Where? Definitely not all. CPS has some of the worst and some of the best (in the nation) with schools like Payton, Jones, Young, and Phillips. And some of those schools with low test scores may actually be working miracles based on all of the hurdles they must surmount. Some of the schools with good test scores may not be coming close to maximizing.

    The hyperbole gets old though.

    Comment by JS Mill Monday, Nov 6, 23 @ 3:35 pm

  29. As to taking into account the statements of parents and children that say they benefited from the Invest for Kids tax incentive program, I look at their statements like I would of calling or hearing from a witness in a court case who swears to tell the truth. I just find their “testimony” compelling. It might not be a poll or representative of 194.5 students, but it is their story and I believe them.
    Let’s give these kids a chance to get an educational opportunity that will benefit these children and the rest of us in the future. Time to find and move toward compromise in the GA on this program.

    Comment by Back to the Future Monday, Nov 6, 23 @ 4:00 pm

  30. ===I look at their statements like I would have calling or hearing from a witness in a court case who swears to tell the truth. I just find their “testimony” compelling.===

    Then it’s a plea.

    ===Let’s give these kids a chance to get an educational opportunity that will benefit these children and the rest of us in the future.===

    There’s nothing stopping the “Angels” from continuing to donate. They can even put it towards actual students.

    Thing is, the real, measured, “bottom line” benefactors are the schools, getting full price scholarships when they could’ve been giving partial, it’s a monetary windfall for the schools.

    There’s gotta be a list of the donors. Ask them.

    The actual donors… they are measuring these students by tax write offs. They can prove me wrong by raising $50-75 million altruistically. Not one person is stopping them.

    So, if it’s a plea, plea to the donors

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 6, 23 @ 4:15 pm

  31. Really not a plea, but support for a compromise that supports a common sense successful approach to start dealing with a system that is failing our children.

    Comment by Back to the Future Monday, Nov 6, 23 @ 4:31 pm

  32. ===but support for a compromise that supports a common sense successful approach===

    Ask the Mensa Group from the Eastern Bloc.

    Without them, no compromise is happening.

    They are nihilists, and you need them to get to 71.

    Ask the donors, you have better chances with them, maybe.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 6, 23 @ 4:37 pm

  33. =but support for a compromise that supports a common sense successful approach to start dealing with a system that is failing our children.=

    When you say compromise what you really mean is for the majority to do what the minority want because you want it.

    Take money from most schools and give it to a few that don’t follow much in the way of rules and don’t take the same assessments or open their doors to everyone versus schools that do all of that.

    Those test scores you refer to are impacted by the fact that everyone takes them, not ject a select few. Let me know when St. Ignatius takes everyone that shows up and they all take the SAT and the ISA then publish the scores.

    Comment by JS Mill Monday, Nov 6, 23 @ 4:48 pm

  34. === to start dealing with a system that is failing our children.===

    I am not convinced ours is a system that is failing our children. Nor am I convinced we Illinoisans need a new system, much less a decoupled system that lacks accountability.

    Comment by H-W Monday, Nov 6, 23 @ 6:19 pm

  35. =to start dealing with a system that is failing our children.=

    I think there’s ample evidence that parents are failing more than the education system.

    Comment by Pundent Monday, Nov 6, 23 @ 8:40 pm

Add a comment

Sorry, comments are closed at this time.

Previous Post: Live coverage
Next Post: Open thread


Last 10 posts:

more Posts (Archives)

WordPress Mobile Edition available at alexking.org.

powered by WordPress.