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* Robert Feder asked some prominent Chicago political reporters to offer predictions about and advice to Mayor-elect Lori Lightfoot. Here’s Mary Ann Ahern…
Mayor-elect Lori Lightfoot’s transition will no doubt be different, since she is not coming from a top post at the White House. Mayor Emanuel’s initial months with the press were rough, as he seemed to think he was still in that White House bubble. Perhaps you recall those moments when we tangled after he walked away after taking only a few questions, or when I asked him if his children were going to go to the University of Chicago Lab School and he took off his microphone and walked out of the interview — then turned around the next day and called another TV reporter to tell him his children would go to U of C.
Over his eight years in office, he adjusted that style and to this day offers off the record sessions with reporters and is less combative.
Lightfoot has needed the media through the campaign to get out her message, but we’ll see if that access continues. Of course my hope is it will, but I also realize campaigning and governing are far different. I would think all of us who cover City Hall — print, radio, TV — will be quite competitive on wanting to know how she plans to carry out her mandate for change. Since there really are no deadlines any more, social media will drive the coverage — as reporters look to be the first to know the mayor-elect’s next moves.
As for as City Hall’s operation, under Mayor Emanuel, reporters often got responses to questions from departmental spokesmen at the very last minute, just before deadline. It happened so often it seemed to be something of a strategy, but it actually hurt the administration because the responses couldn’t be thoughtfully considered or integrated into a story. What’s more, responses to FOIA [Freedom of Information Act] requests were painfully slow. Mayor-elect Lightfoot has promised openness and transparency. Changing these practices would be one way she could show it.
* The Question: Your own advice for the incoming mayor?
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Apr 8, 19 @ 2:12 pm
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“Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants … .” Shine that bright light on aldermanic “discretion” and don’t stop.
Comment by Anyone Remember Monday, Apr 8, 19 @ 2:15 pm
For a variety of reasons, Rahm never exposed exactly how terrible the city’s finances were when he took office. He didn’t lay the blame at the feet of his predecessor.
I urge Mayor Lightfoot to not repeat that mistake. Expose it all, right away, or risk sharing some of the blame for the mess.
It won’t be pretty and there is no easy fix, but this is the area where full transparency is your friend.
Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Apr 8, 19 @ 2:18 pm
Keep close at hand the full list of “prominent Chicago political reporters” who anticipated you being in the run off and then winning. That will help you budget time going forward. use the exra time wisely.
Comment by Annonin' Monday, Apr 8, 19 @ 2:18 pm
Be careful about who you surround yourself with. You will need people with government experience, but don’t let them guide you down a path where you end up governing like your predecessors.
Use their expertise to help you figure out a practical way to implement your ideas rather than letting them try to convince you your ideas aren’t doable.
Comment by Montrose Monday, Apr 8, 19 @ 2:19 pm
Well said, 47th Ward. Do that, please, Mayor Lightfoot.
I voted enthusiastically for Lightfoot. My concern is whether she can get along with people well enough to build support and lead. Advice: study how Pat Quinn failed at leadership as governor.
Comment by Robert the Bruce Monday, Apr 8, 19 @ 2:23 pm
I second what Montrose said and would add to that. Always remember that you own the final decisions.
Comment by Bourbon Street Monday, Apr 8, 19 @ 2:30 pm
Please stick to your guns about your principles of fairness and inclusion, and the promise of transparency and accountability. We don’t expect you to be perfect, and we know things (especially finances) will be difficult. We hope that you will never give up on the idea of change for the better.
Comment by Christopher Monday, Apr 8, 19 @ 2:38 pm
Wear a wire and record all phone calls.
Comment by Al Monday, Apr 8, 19 @ 2:47 pm
avoid working with any of MJM’s old guard.
Comment by Donnie Elgin Monday, Apr 8, 19 @ 2:51 pm
Avoid being excessively cagey with the media.
Comment by Three Dimensional Checkers Monday, Apr 8, 19 @ 2:55 pm
=avoid working with any of MJM’s old guard.=
What does this even mean? It looks more like a drive-by “because Madigan” if you ask me.
Comment by Colin O'Scopy Monday, Apr 8, 19 @ 3:02 pm
Mayors own.
Comment by Thomas Paine Monday, Apr 8, 19 @ 3:10 pm
Never lie; never cover up. That’s a definition of “transparency”, isn’t it? But maybe I’m too naïve.
Comment by GADawg Monday, Apr 8, 19 @ 3:16 pm
She should keep her cool and be as transparent in her decision making on issues as possible. Thoughtful decision making making would be preferable to decisions based polling.
Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Monday, Apr 8, 19 @ 3:16 pm
Don’t pander. To so called activist groups, to the media, to the public. Do the homework, find out the real scoop, make the difficult decisions and talk about them. Get your staff to give details. Explain to the public that programs and buildings actually cost money and we have to find a way to pay for them. there aren’t enough rich people who can pay the bills. everyone has to do their part. Be tough, but smile as you do it.
Comment by Amalia Monday, Apr 8, 19 @ 3:26 pm
1. Do not have too many Emanuel staff working in high level positions. People voted for change, so bring in fresh blood and folks who really know the city and the neighborhoods.
2. Consider drafting an actual City Plan for Chicago that sets out specific benchmarks/metrics that will track progress on the issues of segregation, disinvestment, and inequality. Without such a plan, it’s hard to accurately assess the impact of Lincoln Yards, the 78, or any other major project that doesn’t directly relate to the South and West sides.
Comment by Veil of Ignorance Monday, Apr 8, 19 @ 3:45 pm
Like Reagan said, ‘Trust but verify.” The Cook County Democratic Party did nothing for her and she owes them nothing. Stay independent.
Comment by Trapped in the 'burbs Monday, Apr 8, 19 @ 4:20 pm
Employ people who can maintain perspective
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Monday, Apr 8, 19 @ 4:23 pm
I have always told my friends that the problems in Chicago will not be fixed until we have a mayor that is willing to do whatever is necessary, even if politically unpopular, to fix the City’s finances.
This means higher taxes and service cutbacks. It means that monies will have to be carefully allocated to further only the most critical of projects. It means that the electorate will be unhappy, if not enraged.
Kicking the can down the road is not an acceptable option. Before things get better, they undoubtedly will get worse. Hopefully Lightfoot understands that and embraces it. If she does, maybe she will have a fighting change in 4 years.
Comment by Powdered Whig Monday, Apr 8, 19 @ 4:27 pm
I don’t see cooperation with this city council, but I’m not the expert here. If you and your people think it’s possible, yeah, don’t be Rauner. But if you don’t, if you think the old guard’s knifes are out, start courting the press relentlessly - you’ll have the principled budget which the media will support, they’ll be the selfish ones trying to kill it by dissecting it and grandstanding how they’re just protecting the righteous. Stress that nobody is going to like everything but it’s time to be responsible.
Comment by lake county democrat Monday, Apr 8, 19 @ 4:29 pm
Do what 47th Ward said. Get all the bad news out now, blame Rahm and Daley, then start to deal with it.
Comment by Keyrock Monday, Apr 8, 19 @ 4:32 pm
Keep being yourself–smart, hardworking, savvy, compassionate, and willing to compromise with others while not compromising your values.
Comment by Leslie K Monday, Apr 8, 19 @ 5:17 pm
She got 74% and she needs my advice?
Keep on keepin’ on. Let that light shine.
Comment by Anonanonsir Monday, Apr 8, 19 @ 5:50 pm
You’re for a 2-term limit for mayors. So make the toughest choices and be prepared to serve only one. You can always go back to being a partner in a high-powered law firm. You are free to make the tough choices.
You need revenue to pay the bills and the backlog, so consider a municipal income tax collected and administered by the State. It’s the fairest tax. This is the year for “fair taxes”. You’d need state legislation to enable it and City Council to pass it so you need to cultivate majority support in both those places.
Comment by James Monday, Apr 8, 19 @ 7:32 pm
Keep privileged information private, but be helpful to media and others when possible.
Comment by Three Dimensional Checkers Monday, Apr 8, 19 @ 7:55 pm
Respect and honor FOIA requests, especially for information other cities offer in public reports.
Comment by Anonymous Monday, Apr 8, 19 @ 8:12 pm
Take 47th’s advice- and also James’. Take the time to learn the craft of politics- get to know the Aldermen and your staff. They are all people- understand their challenges, and ask about their kids and spouses- really. Kind words go a long way.
Comment by West Sider Monday, Apr 8, 19 @ 8:37 pm
Be honest about everything, call out the bad, celebrate the good, do your best.
Comment by Rutro Monday, Apr 8, 19 @ 9:12 pm