-- Connecting the dots between our economy, government and business --
Summary and audio linked here.
Chicago’s political leadership is floating a pension buyout program as evidence it is seriously addressing the city’s thirty-six-billion-dollar unfunded pension liability, but Mark Glennon, founder of the Illinois policy research organization Wirepoints, said that the proposal moves debt from one column to another rather than reducing it, and that the broader fiscal picture facing the city continues to deteriorate across every measurable dimension. Audio here.
Expect no retraction or apology. This what they do.
The state’s existing buyout program for its own pensions is the precedent for Chicago, which should be a warning: Look out for similar exaggerated claims and shoddy analysis.
Full interview and summary linked here.
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Downtown business community needs to realize that this “something” has already been done, and that is conscious executive decision, both by Chicago City Hall and Cook County senior officials, that “crime will be made equitable”. That furtive decision is not publically-disclosed, but obvious in every crime-related and social services-related policy decision made.
Translation: downtown and near-north areas, north-side’s “Green Zone” areas, and white people in general, would and should experience same amount of crime, retail theft, and car-jackings prevalent in POC areas of south and west-sides. It’s the ultimate cynical political strategy.
That “something” you so eloquently describe is a self fulfilling prophecy. As the crime continues to increase, people with money to spend realize that the loop is dangerously unsafe at any time of the day or night. Their response to the increased crime is to avoid the Loop “Kill Zone” that is developing due to the inaction of the person who is masquerading as a mayor and her fellow traveller, Kimmie. The people with enough money have the means to go elsewhere. For me, I will never enter chicago again. For those of us in the suburbs going to the… Read more »
The Chicago Tribune and Sun Times are jokes on the citizens. Bravely imploring the city to do something so the paper can stand on the sideline taking potshots at everyone. The papers are just another element of the city’s propaganda machine. Bad news, hide it for the boss! The Democrats are so clumsy. They feverishly attempt to hide what is in plain view of everyone. The media is as guilty as Lori in the destruction of the city.
And what an utterly worthless editorial this was. “Something has to be done,” it basically says.
“There’s no single solution—most likely the best approach combines retailers beefing up security with an increased CPD presence downtown, along with tougher punishment for smash-and-grab cases.”
Uh, how about making it *very* very clear that there is no acceptable amount of criminal element allowed downtown, ACLU be danged? Arrested them, throw away the key. It’s a blunt solution but works great. Civilization has been doing it for tens of thousands of years,
Build more jails, keep them full! Near capacity? Build more jails.