The Chicago mayoral election is of interest (and should be) to many suburbs, especially those who are separated from the city by a mere street. We see and hear Chicago’s mayor almost daily through media and often grumble hoping for a change. A change is certainly on the way. Big city issues that can affect all of us include crime, taxes, parking, red-light and speed cameras, juveniles, and general expenses.
Going back over four years ago, a major concern for suburbs was when Mayor Rahm Emmanuel planned to raise water rates to suburbs that relied on city-supplied Lake Michigan water to help balance Chicago’s budget. A trickle-down effect was an understatement as suburban officials looked for other options and braced for a flood in water rate hikes. This is only one example where the buck is passed to suburbs but they have no vote on the matter.
Currently, crime is the number one issue throughout the whole Chicago mayoral campaign. Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson have very different opinions. It was national news in 2019 when suburban police chiefs issued a “vote of no confidence” against Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx, especially regarding her strategy to de-criminalize non-violent crimes.
During a recent forum on Fox News Chicago, when asked about Foxx’s job performance, Vallas thinks she is not aggressive enough in keeping dangerous criminals off the streets, leading to repeat offenders. Johnson thinks she is a good leader with incredible integrity. His focus was on how many falsely imprisoned inmates she set free.
Living in one of those suburbs separated by one street, it was not uncommon to see Chicago police crossing jurisdictions. I was once caught in the middle of a high-speed police chase close to home. The Chicago police were pursuing suspects from an incident in the city that spread into my village. The suspects fled on foot and were shooting at police. The incident was on the news. However, I haven’t seen Chicago police in my area for several years. Mayor Lori Lightfoot took credit for overhauling and reforming police vehicle and foot pursuits, according to her website.
Vallas and Johnson also have very different approaches on solutions for public safety. Vallas wants to keep schools open on weekends, holidays and throughout the summer to keep juveniles off the streets and out of trouble. Johnson wants to invest in youth by training and employing to deter youth from a life of crime. Debates continue on restructuring the police department and either way, it comes down to money. Both candidates stated they would not add a financial burden to Chicagoans by raising property taxes. Where will the money come from?
Suburban commuters may already be contributing money (involuntarily), as Chicago issued “over 1 million parking tickets to drivers in the first six months of 2022,” according to the Illinois Policy Institute. Their investigation also found that Chicago’s speed cameras “have failed to deliver the promised safety improvements, and fatalities actually increased. The cameras did deliver a lot of cash: $36 million.” Red light cameras are another complaint and money source for Chicago affecting commuters.
Voluntary trips downtown may be curtailed because of crime but many suburbanites have to commute downtown for their jobs. Johnson’s $800 million business plan initially included a $40 million tax (a city surcharge) for suburbanites commuting to work via Metra. I remember that commercial prior to the runoff election and then never saw it again. According to Illinoispolicy.org, the idea caused a firestorm and Johnson no longer considered it, however, his website still shows $800 million.
Suburbanites who travel to the city on a regular basis are also likely helping with Chicago’s finances in other ways. Commuters who drive have to pay for parking, which is very expensive. Workers are likely patronizing food establishments regularly and may shop in Chicago as well. Taxes are likely higher than in suburbs, plus the seven cents per bag unless you bring your own. Is it fair to charge us some kind of head tax or should Chicago be grateful we’re coming there and spending our money?
Despite all the issues, there is no question that Chicago is rich in beauty. There are diverse cultures and all the tourist attractions the city offers – entertainment venues, restaurants, museums, Lake Michigan, parades, stores, landmarks, architecture, the Christkindl market, Santa Claus, just to name a few. Hopefully, we will all see an improvement in Chicago over the next four years.
This article was submitted to and published by The Lansing Journal in March, 2023.
This is all very true. Chicago policies and laws have a big impact on the bordering suburbs. A very good example was increasing the water rates by Mayor Rahm . And if they raise the rate once might they do it again? Plus as stated the suburbs have no vote.
Crime allowed is huge. Soft on crime policies are bad at several levels. Many folks now think twice before going into Chicago. And so sad because Chicago is a beautiful city with so much to offer.
Mayor Lightfoot reduced foot pursuits by police. Another terrible advantage to the criminal. Now Johnson and Vallas squared off for mayor and as a surprise Johnson won. He admitted that he would be soft on crime and for many 911 calls he would favor sending a social worker to solve the issue. Sounds ridiculous. But let’s wait and see. Johnson favors training and jobs for the yutes of the city. He should pay more attention to the family. The parents of criminal yutes should be held responsible for their children.
Red light cameras have given mixed results. Personally I thought they were a good idea. But that is for me, a person who respects the law. But so many law breakers have fought this approach to improve safety on the roads.
I enjoyed the three pictures in this article. The Metra train really makes me think of Chicago. The overhead trains on Wabash and then on Lake Street are well known for Chicago. The Chicago police SUV sitting all alone was interesting. It’s a lonely job now. Lack of administration backing is awful. They are very important to the average citizen. They should be given more support and respect. And then Macy’s was a special picture by M. Ryan. Well done. A nice inviting shot to shopping on State street, that great street back in the day.
If Johnson can bring sanity back to this city he will be worthy of a statue in Millennium Park.
Thank you, I’m glad you liked the pictures. The Metra train certainly represents travel downtown. I miss that. Haven’t been there in a few years now. There was a lot to cover in this article. I’ve only had one red light camera violation in my life but it was in a suburb. I’m more careful now. It is certainly questionable about the parents’ role in all the juvenile crime. Speaking of Millennium Park, both Johnson and Vallas said they would lift the curfew from Thursday through Sunday that Lightfoot put into place once elected. Yes, we’ll have to see what happens. Johnson has four years now and that is enough time to see an improvement or not.