Rauner in the mayor’s office?
UPDATED 2/27/19: Although AFSCME Council 31 chose not to endorse a candidate for mayor of Chicago in the first round of voting on February 26, we made sure that everyone knew about the problematic political alliances and downright dangerous positions of two candidates, Bill Daley and Willie Wilson—both of whom lost their bid for mayor.
Lori Lightfoot and Toni Preckwinkle were the top two vote-getters and will face off in the April 2 run-off election.
Bill Daley is the only candidate who favors repealing the constitutional clause protecting the pensions of public employees and retirees. In other words, whether you work for city, county or state government, he wants to cut your pension.
At a Feb. 18 news conference, Daley called for repeal of the pension protection clause, saying “I’m not trying to screw the retirees, but government doesn’t just exist for its employees.” Of course, his own family has benefited from public pensions for decades.
What’s more, when Bruce Rauner was elected governor, Daley co-chaired Rauner’s transition team. He has the $2 million backing of Bruce Rauner’s billionaire buddy Ken Griffin, who believes that the super-rich don’t have enough influence in politics. And Daley is one of the very few mayoral candidates who won’t fully commit to supporting workers who are trying to form a union.
As a Wall Street CEO, Bill Daley made millions for himself while cutting jobs, worker pay and benefits. He has the enthusiastic support of big business and the anti-worker Chicago Tribune.
Willie Wilson is another Bruce Rauner enthusiast. Wilson endorsed Rauner for governor and has his backing, along with the Cook County Republican Party, in the race for mayor. Wilson readily admits to voting for Donald Trump for president.
Public employees—and the vital services we provide—have been greatly harmed by four years of Bruce Rauner’s unrelenting hostility. We can’t afford a Chicago mayor who shares the belief that government’s problems can be solved on the backs of working people.
Tuesday, February 26, is Election Day. Be sure to vote! Not voting will only help Daley and Wilson. Click here for voting information and AFSCME Council 31 endorsements.