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A Beginning
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Daley took what he thought was his birthrite - power. Although I don't think he ever lined his own pockets (which would have been VERY easy for all to see), instead he played Santa to any and all friends of the "family." His family. Like a father smiles when his child opens a Christmas gift, he smiled when handing out taxpayer-funded goodies to all his "children." I'll never doubt his love for the city, it's just that he thought it was HIS city! |
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A Beginning
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We have, maybe a thousand good Republicans here capable of running this city - businessmen who know how to manage money, but not one of them seems to be willing to put themselves and their families (and businesses) through the meat grinder known as Chicago politics. Although the City Council a few years ago changed the elections of Mayor, Aldermen, etc. to "non-partisan" (because it always looked bad that there were never any good Republican candidates, if any) it's still a game only for the well-connected Machine politician. Nobodies need not apply. Chicago Tribune columnist John Kass offers up former federal prosecutor and City Hall corruption buster Patrick Collins (most likely a Republican) but without any Machine grease, actually SOLID opposition from those guys, he'd never get a foothold. They (the Machinery) will fight to the death to maintain the way of living they're used to - cushy deals from City Hall, minimal opposition to their plans/zoning issues, etc. Funny though, they probably don't realize the gravy train left the station already, as there's no more money left for their fun.
Watch for the Aldermen to fight like DOGS for whatever piece of power they can tear off what will be left of the Mayor's office. It'll be like a gang-run, basement dog fight, with power never again consolidated in one man. Whoever wins will spend the next four years trying to build consensus among the former Daley lapdogs. I expect very little to be accomplished for Chicagoans for some time.
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