“Johnson campaigned for mayor on a pledge not to raise property taxes, but has said in recent months that the possibility is on the table due to the huge deficit.” (Chicago Tribune)
The feckless flailing Mayor Brandon Johnson is going to raise property taxes to balance his budget. Too many people are holding on dearly trying to keep their homes due to high property taxes. Bye Bye Brandon will be the political slogan if he raises property taxes.
Furthermore, his Chicago-based collective of rappers — called “Only the Family,” or OTF — is described by the LA-based U.S. attorney’s office as “a group of individuals who engage in violence — including murder and assault — at Banks’ direction and to maintain their status in OTF.”
Mayor Brandon Johnson refused to comment whether he will give back a 2023 $150,000 campaign contribution by Chicago rapper, Lil Durk, real name Durk Devontay Banks. Banks was arrested last week while trying to leave Miami for Italy over an alleged murder for hire plot. It was the largest individual political contribution aside from unions.
“You are asking me if I should make a judgment on a Black man before a full trial has actually come to fruition,” the mayor said at a news conference after touring Collins High School. “I hope you do understand why it is not my position to determine the outcome of someone’s life… Asked Friday if he felt he should give back the money, Johnson said, “I don’t operate in feelings, I operate in truth and justice.” (Chicago Tribune)
Once again, instead of answering the question, Johnson contributed his usual racial word soup and salad. It is par for the course. Aside from the optics, there probably is another reason Johnson will not return the money. He is a typical political cheapskate and chiseler.
Johnson does not care about optics. His overblown ego and false belief in his competency are on display every time he opens his mouth. Johnson thinks he is popular, even though his popularity rating is in the toilet. His performance rating is tanking in the polls.
Other politicians returned donations when the donors were accused of crimes or caught in scandals. Johnson is not other politicians. He does not care what people, or the press think about him. He only thinks about how he views himself.
Politicians are supposed to have higher ethical and moral standards. Too many Chicago politicians, including Brandon Johnson, are devoid of ethical and moral standards. They only care about the money. $150,000 is a lot of money to give back, especially since Johnson is so unpopular, even among progressive voters. Small and large campaign contributors will shy away from financing his run for reelection.
Johnson should return the money proving to the people he is bigger and better than others. Returning the money is no reflection on Durk’s guilt. Durk is presumed to be innocent in court and in the public eye. Johnson returning the donation does not imply guilt. It is just the right thing to do.