The Democratic Convention will run between August 19th and 22nd. Street closures began at 10 PM Thursday.
“The closures are for:
-West Washington Boulevard from Damen Avenue to South Wood Street
-Damen Avenue from Jackson Boulevard to West Washington Boulevard
-West Warren Boulevard from North Leavitt Street to South Paulina Street
-West Madison Street from North Leavitt Street to South Paulina Street
-West Monroe Street from South Seeley Avenue to South Paulina Street
-West Adams Street from South Seeley Avenue to South Paulina Street
-South Honore Street from West Monroe Street to West Adams Street
-South Wood Street from West Washington Boulevard to West Jackson Boulevard
-South Seeley Avenue from West Madison Street to West Adams Street
Restricted vehicle traffic: Jackson Boulevard from South Damen Avenue to South Wood Street.” (ABC 7)
“In an abrupt about-face, organizers announced the event would remain in Chicago after all. Neighborhood residents eager to see the festival leave town expressed dismay on learning they’d be dealing with the noise, trash and traffic again.’“(Sun-Times)
The residents around Douglas Park do not matter. Once again, their wishes fall on deaf ears of Ald. Monique Scott (24th) and so-called community leaders. Lollapalooza is returning to Douglas Park this summer. That’s the Chicago Way. There is a cure for this. Residents in the ward need to find someone to oppose the alder and vote her out. She does not care about her constituents. She only cares about her “community leaders- whatever that means.
“A top ally of Mayor Brandon Johnson has been hitting up Chicago businesses to contribute to a dark money political organization that is hosting several events next week during the Democratic National Convention, including a luncheon and a showcase Soldier Field event. Charles Smith, Johnson’s liaison to the business community, has been making the pitch for contributions to GoChiLife as a way to show support for the mayor.”(Chicago Tribune)
There is a strong level of hypocrisy in the chaotic administration of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration. Progressives rail against dark money unless it comes to their own needs. Supposedly the dark money is to fund events.
“At one point, the group asked for donations of up to $500,000 in exchange for 10 VIP tickets to each of its DNC week events, 20 regular event tickets, a logo on event and promotional materials and potential “additional benefits,” according to a presentation obtained by the Tribune. Other sponsorship tiers ranged from $5,000 to $100,000.” (Chicago Tribune/Subscription needed)
The Chicago Public School System has been in a financial mess for as long as anyone can remember. The situation may get worse. The Chicago School Board and CEO Pedro Martinez approved a budget the mayor does not like or want. According to the Chicago Tribune, the mayor is trying to oust Martinez. The mayor wanted to fund the system with a loan, the equivalent of a high-interest payday loan. The Board is currently in contract negotiations with the Chicago Teachers Union. If some or all of their demands are met, the budget deficit could explode.
“CTU’s outlandish demands, including 9% average annual raises, would create a budget deficit of $2.9 billion a year from now and about $4 billion by 2028, CPS contract negotiators declared Tuesday in a public bargaining session.” (Tribune)
Only the Board can fire Martinez. He can only be fired for just cause, for example, corruption, other criminal activity, or incompetence. One newspaper called Martinez “the taxpayers’ best friend.” We will see how this plays out after the Democratic Convention leaves town.
Union president Stacy Davis Gates told the Board to get the money any way they can, even demanding raising in property taxes. Johnson was an organizer for the union, and they heavily funded his campaign. Johnson, like too many past and present politicians, does not understand what conflict of interest is. He should recuse himself from this issue. But he won’t. He owes the union. This is the Chicago Way, concealed corruption at its finest.