CHICAGO — Another month, another heated City Council meeting.
Tension boiled over Wednesday between council members and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. Their feud now affects legislation, as angry and defiant Johnson opponents held up his agenda.
Ald. Anthony Beale (9 th Ward) and others remain furious at the mayor’s cancellation of ShotSpotter, a gunfire detection software.
“You think I like deferring the stuff? But you know what I don’t like? Canceling the ShotSpotter when people are dying on the damn street,” Beale said to the approval of councilmembers.
Mayor Johnson considers layoffs, property tax hike to address $1 billion budget deficit Members are also concerned about the mayor replacing the entire school board after the body didn’t follow his orders. As such, the mayor’s plan to refinance $1.5 billion in city debt to help close a nearly $1 billion shortfall has been delayed for now.
“This debt is purely going to be used for debt refinancing at a lower rate, which will provide savings to the city and the taxpayers,” said Ald. Bill Conway (34 th Ward).
The move is projected to save $110 million. But alders Raymond Lopez (15 th Ward) and Silvana Tabares (21 st Ward) used a parliamentary maneuver to postpone action until the next meeting.
The rest of what the mayor introduced on Wednesday, Oct. 9 was put in legislative limbo by Beale.
“As far as frustration or holding up the agenda of the people of Chicago, I’m going to continue to fight for working people in this city: Black, brown, white, Asian, young, old,” Johnson said.
The Council had planned a special meeting to discuss ShotSpotter, but alders canceled it after Mayor Johnson dropped his threat to veto a Council order aimed at continuing the tech. The mayor says the order is illegal. Council members are plotting their next move.
“He has to follow the law whether he likes it or not,” said Ald. Brian Hopkins (2 nd Ward).
Meanwhile, City Council members and the mayor are trying to strike a deal for Johnson’s new School Board appointees to appear at a hearing. But both sides remain at odds over the proposal.
MORE FROM WGN’S TAHMAN BRADLEY | Johnson appoints allies to Chicago Board of Education despite backlash: ‘A pathway forward’
“It is said that the current members of the board, as well as those that you appointed, would come to the meeting. Now, I urge you, in your authority, as the person who has appointed the board members as well as the new board members,” said Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36 th Ward).
“You want me to exercise my authority?” Johnson replied.
“Absolutely. Exercise your authority,” Villegas responded.
Following the exchange, an intense encounter ensued between Villegas and Johnson.
After the City Council meeting, Johnson refused to say whether he would tell Board members they needed to meet with the City Council.
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