Just as Mayor Brandon Johnson dismissed criticism of his administration’s handling of the Office of Inspector General investigation into the city’s ethics policy regarding the gift room as a mischaracterization, I suggest that Johnson made his own mischaracterization when he deflected comments about his behavior by calling out the current president of the United States as “behaving under the same guise of other dictators.”
Johnson excuses his behavior for not following the law regarding keeping accurate records when he said, “The real threat to our democracy, it’s not a log. The real threat to our democracy is an individual who believes that he’s above the law.”
Methinks Johnson doth protest too much.
— Cathleen Bylina, Chicago
Auction
I recommend that Chicago’s mayor open up that “gift room” and auction off the designer bags, whiskey and luxury cuff links and make some money for Chicago. Especially if these gifts are the property of Chicago’s citizens.
— Denise McDaniel, Chicago
Johnson and Trump
Johnson should take a page from California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s playbook as opposed to Rahm Emanuel‘s or Lori Lightfoot’s playbook, when dealing with President Donald Trump. (“What will be Johnson’s playbook against Trump,” Feb. 2)
Gov. Newsom, although not invited, met Trump’s plane at the airport greeting the president warmly, then touring the fire devastated neighborhoods of Los Angeles County with the president.
This afforded Newsom the opportunity of one-on-one time with Trump and allowed him to spell out specifically the aid California will need to rebuild and prevent future such catastrophes. Plus it positions Newsom (for his much anticipated 2028 run for the White House) as a candidate who’ll work with his opposition for the needs of his constituents.
On the other hand, when he was mayor, Emanuel kicked off his relationship with Trump by taking his normal combative stance and mocked Trump at every opportunity. Lightfoot as mayor refused to greet Trump at O’Hare Airport on his only visit to Chicago as president. Lightfoot missed out on invaluable one-on-one time (to and from O’Hare) with a president of the United States, a severe rookie mistake.
Emanuel’s reward for his obstinance to Trump was appointment as ambassador to far away Japan, and Lightfoot was rewarded as a one term mayor. Johnson if he wants to be re-elected in 2027 best take a page from Newsom’s playbook. Voters spoke clear loud and clear this past November. They’re tired of obstruction and want all levels of government to work in a cooperative way with the new Trump administration.
— Bruce R. Hovanec, Chicago
Crime in the Loop
Regarding Andy Shaw’s op-ed (“An executive order from Donald Trump could bring new life to Chicago,” Jan. 31), it would be wonderful to see President Donald Trump’s executive order targeting federal employee work status result in bringing people back downtown and possibly revitalizing the city’s economy.
Yet, I believe Shaw unintentionally underestimates Chicago’ reported crime as an impetus for remote workers, residents and tourists staying away. While violent crime has reportedly declined, there is still a perception that the Loop is dangerous.
Ironically and unfairly, the perception can be partially attributed to Trump’s exaggeration of Chicago’s criminal elements. Nevertheless, Shaw is on-target in maintaining that people may in fact return if city government will permit downtown to be “properly policed.”
— Terry Takash, Western Springs
Pritzker and Trump
“The governor’s better posture would be to concentrate on outmaneuvering and outfoxing Trump,” David Greising writes in his Jan. 31 column (“Conflict between Donald Trump, Illinois will test state’s rights vs. federalism”).
No, the governor’s best posture is to work with the democratically elected president, not go to war in a false pretense, as Gov. JB Pritzker and his progressive fellow travelers tried in Trump’s first term. That didn’t work out very well.
But it doesn’t stop the likes of Pritzker or others like Greising from doubling down on their failed ideas.
The governor should listen carefully to Greising’s advice and follow it faithfully. The better to be more quickly rid of them both.
— Jim FitzGerald, Chicago
New development
I’m not one who ordinarily applauds the big plans of developers. But Sterling Bay’s proposal to build transit-friendly housing, almost a fourth of which will be affordable, is worth celebrating.
Yes, the 16- and 21-story buildings will dwarf the low-rise neighborhood around it. But intensive development that displaces previous land uses, is exactly what’s necessary if we are to live in a vibrant city that is everywhere affordable to its residents. Indeed, making affordable housing available throughout the city, near transit, work and shopping, is the way to a city that stops shrinking, ends suffering, and spreads justice.
I urge the City Council to prioritize the well-being of the whole city and vote to overcome aldermanic resistance to Sterling Bay’s important (and repeatable) plan. I also urge everyone involved to work with Sterling Bay and make sure that they can and do what they have promised.
— Jeff Epton, Chicago
Zero sensitivity
“When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time,” Maya Angelou said.
Despite Sean Harden’s declaration that he took the volunteer position as president of the Chicago Board of Education because “I love this city,” perhaps he loves himself more.
Harden’s insistence for $154,000 per year for a CPS driver and car not only discloses his self-importance but more importantly clearly shows that he has zero sensitivity to a school district facing a $500 million budget deficit.
Should CPS also provide him with a personal chef so that he can be more available?
Chicago is full of accomplished people who give freely of their time and lead by example.
Sadly, Harden is neither.
— Mike Cello, Chicago
Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.