Chicago

Axios Chicago

This week's Trail Mix column dishes up nuggets on next month's municipal election — that has already seen 808 early ballots cast!

When Rep.  Jesús "Chuy" García  entered the mayoral race, he touted his experience and connections to Chicago political giants as selling points. But recently those links have been tripping him up. 

State of play: First, it was the controversy over taking money from disgraced crypto exec Sam Bankman-Fried. 

Then the revelations that García's name was referenced in the Michael Madigan corruption indictment.

Now he's in hot water over TV ads featuring real uniformed Chicago cops, which is a no-no. 

The big picture: There's plenty of time left in the campaign, but my guess is that's not how García wanted to start.   

When I first read about a Lightfoot staffer trying to recruit volunteers through CPS, I bought the mayor's explanation that it was an "honest mistake" and routine for campaigns to recruit students. 

Fact check: The Tribune has published emails suggesting that CPS clearly warned Lightfoot campaign staffers that "no recruitment for interns or [volunteers] can be done on campus or by staff/teachers" and that classroom credit cannot be provided.

But hours later, a Lightfoot campaign statement defended it as "common practice."

When Governor Pritzker said he was staying out of the mayor's race, we assumed that meant he'd stay out of all municipal elections.

Not true: Late last week, the governor went out of his way to endorse aldermanic candidates. 

Feels like Pritzker wants to be more than the state boss — he wants to be THE boss. 

This Thursday, I'm moderating a forum in the 45th ward, featuring several candidates, including embattled incumbent Ald. Jim Gardiner. 

The intrigue: In the wake of investigations, lawsuits and apologies, Gardiner's opponents are questioning his "fitness" to serve. And they don't mean his push-up skills. 

Still Gardiner is going full steam ahead on re-election plans. 

The Thursday forum at the Copernicus Center promises to be … lively. 

Trail Mix: "Chuy" García off to rough start, Pritzker plays kingmaker

When Gov. Pritzker said he was staying out of the mayor's race, we assumed that meant he'd stay out of all municipal elections.

Illustration of Chicago City Hall with lines radiating from it.

Elections

This week&#x27;s Trail Mix column dishes up nuggets on next month&#x27;s municipal election — that has already seen 808 early ballots cast!<h5>García&#x27;s rough start </h5>When Rep. Jesús &quot;Chuy&quot; García entered the mayoral race, he touted his experience and connections to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago political giants" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2022/11/10/jesus-chuy-garcia-enter-mayor-race-chicago" data-vars-content-id="49d76d98-7074-4408-92f7-dc06ce80e78a" data-vars-headline="Trail Mix: &quot;Chuy&quot; García off to rough start, Pritzker plays kingmaker" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2022/11/10/jesus-chuy-garcia-enter-mayor-race-chicago" target="_self">Chicago political giants</a> as selling points. But recently those links have been tripping him up.

Politics

News

WNBA star Candace Parker is leaving the Chicago Sky. She's poised to sign a contract with the Las Vegas Aces when free agency begins Wednesday. 

Why it matters: The Naperville native has helped turn the Sky into one of the league's best teams, bringing home Chicago's first WNBA championship two years ago.

What they're saying: "When I made the decision to go to Chicago in 2021, I made the decision to go home and be with my family in the place where it all began," Parker said on Instagram. 

"I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to win a championship in my hometown and parade down the same streets I watched the Bulls parade down as a young girl first falling in love with the game of basketball."

"While Chicago will always be my home, my family's home is on the West Coast."

Context: Parker made headlines playing at Naperville Central from 2001-2004. She was twice named the best high school player in the nation.

At 15, she dunked a basketball, making her the first female athlete in the state to do so. 

In 2021, the City of Chicago declared Sept. 16 "Candace Parker Day."

The two-time MVP and seven-time All-Star is featured in several national TV ads. 

Of note: Parker was one of Axios Chicago's 2022 Power Players. 

💭 Justin's thought bubble: It's hard to think of other hometown athletes that measure up to Parker. Even greats like Dick Butkus and Derrick Rose didn't bring a championship to Chicago. 

Candace Parker poised to leave Chicago for Las Vegas

"While Chicago will always be my home, my family's home is on the West Coast," Parker said.

Photo of a woman celebrating on the court after winning a basketball championship.

Candace Parker celebrates with her teammates after winning Game Four of the 2021 WNBA Finals. Photo: Kena Krutsinger/NBAE via Getty Images

WNBA

WNBA star Candace Parker is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="leaving the Chicago Sky" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bulls/ct-candace-parker-chicago-sky-aces-20230129-gtc3ogx4qzc6neary3crajf57a-story.html" data-vars-content-id="aeca8158-0d8a-4e5c-9ccb-90798d041596" data-vars-headline="Candace Parker poised to leave Chicago for Las Vegas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/bulls/ct-candace-parker-chicago-sky-aces-20230129-gtc3ogx4qzc6neary3crajf57a-story.html" target="_blank">leaving the Chicago Sky</a>. She&#x27;s poised to sign a contract with the Las Vegas Aces when free agency begins Wednesday. Why it matters: The Naperville native has helped turn the Sky into one of the league&#x27;s best teams, bringing home Chicago&#x27;s first <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="WNBA championship" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2021/10/20/chicago-celebrates-wnba-sky" data-vars-content-id="aeca8158-0d8a-4e5c-9ccb-90798d041596" data-vars-headline="Candace Parker poised to leave Chicago for Las Vegas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2021/10/20/chicago-celebrates-wnba-sky" target="_self">WNBA championship</a> two years ago.

Sports

We're starting a feature profiling mayoral hopefuls. We'll ask them to solve the city's biggest issues later. First we want to meet the people behind the policies. 

The candidate: Former 6th Ward Alderperson Roderick Sawyer. The son of a Chicago mayor, Sawyer gave up his seat on the council to run for the city's top spot. 

🏠 What neighborhoods have you lived in? "I grew up in Park Manor, and I live within walking distance of my childhood home today.

"I lived in Lincoln Park while I attended DePaul and still love some of the restaurants around there, and I lived in Chatham during and shortly after law school at Chicago-Kent." 

🏛 Favorite downtown building: "333 W. Wacker. I worked in that building during law school, and we had access to the basketball court for games almost every day at lunch."

🎤 Favorite Chicago music venue: "Back in the day it was Park West. … These days I find myself going to City Winery more often. My son is a hip-hop artist and loves Lincoln Hall and Radius in Pilsen."

🌮 Favorite local taco place: "Maravillas near University of Chicago in Hyde Park and Ta'golazo in South Shore." 

💰 How much did your property taxes go up in 2022? "10%, give or take."

🏙 How would you get people back to The Loop? "Collaborate more with World Business Chicago to promote all the great amenities our city has, and develop a top-flight marketing plan."

🏟 Do we need to do more to keep the Bears in Chicago? "We should have done more to keep the Bears in Chicago. Maybe engaging the team from the beginning and not insulting the players, owners and fans publicly would have gotten things off to a better start.

"But it's all too little, too late at this point. Can we find a way to seat another 30,000 at Soldier Field? I doubt it. I certainly don't support throwing $2 billion at the facility in a Hail Mary plan to see if they will stay. 

"The only way we should invest in Soldier Field is in a way that makes it a year-round facility that has good return on investment for the people of Chicago in terms of revenue and quality of life."

🚦 If elected, would you get rid of the stoplight at Chicago Avenue and DuSable Lake Shore Drive? "That is one of the strangest lights I've ever seen in my life. That light can go."

🏈 '85 Bears or '96 Bulls? "'85 Bearssssss. We had a hell of a party that day. My father was mayor when Walter Payton played his last regular season game at Soldier Field in 1987. I was on the sidelines, and when it came time for the post-game ceremony I got swept up in the crowd that went onto the field. I was pictured the next day right behind Sweetness in the Sun-Times sports page."

Photo of Sun-Times newspaper clip courtesy of Roderick Sawyer. 

🗳 Finally, why do you want to be mayor? "'Sawyer Means Service' was my father's motto, and I have an inherent desire to serve my community and the city I love."

Meet the (possible) mayor: Roderick Sawyer

Sawyer talks about growing up in Park Manor, basketball, and his favorite taco shops.

We&#x27;re starting a feature profiling mayoral hopefuls. We&#x27;ll ask them to solve the city&#x27;s biggest issues later. First we want to meet the people behind the policies. The candidate: Former 6th Ward Alderperson <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Roderick Sawyer" data-vars-click-url="https://sawyer4chicago.com/" data-vars-content-id="d2e35647-c920-4512-9307-9dfc9ad8b498" data-vars-headline="Meet the (possible) mayor: Roderick Sawyer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sawyer4chicago.com/" target="_blank">Roderick Sawyer</a>. The son of a Chicago mayor, Sawyer gave up his seat on the council to run for the city&#x27;s top spot.

The Democratic National Committee is reportedly close to deciding on the host city for its 2024 convention. 

Last week, the DNC told Houston the city was out of the running, and sources tell us that Atlanta and Chicago remain the front-runners. 

Why Chicago: We might not live in a swing city (or state), but Chicago always delivers a memorable DNC convention. 

Who can forget 1968? OK, maybe we should.

But, hey, in 1996 we got Al Gore to do the Macarena and sent Bill Clinton to a second term.

What's more: We offer central transportation advantages and copious world-class restaurants and entertainment options. 

Chicago hosts the James Beard Awards, Lollapalooza and a gazillion street festivals. We know how to put on summer jams. 

The United Center was a lucky charm for the DNC in '96 and can be again. 

Why not Atlanta: First off, there's one highway to get in and out. Do you really want your state's delegation stuck in traffic while everyone else is voting for the nominee? 

Also, why let a Republican-run state reap the financial benefits of a Democratic event?

The Falcons, Hawks and the University of Georgia's colors are red. Enough said. 

Chicago holds the record for most political conventions (25). 

The origin of the "smoke-filled room" comes from the 1920 Republican Convention in Chicago. 

Did you know that indicted Ald. Ed Burke is a political convention historian? He wrote a book about it. 

Axios Atlanta's thought bubble: "Chicago doesn't have a museum centered on a soft drink, a giant chicken with rotating eyes or a faux Arc de Triomphe. In other words: culture. (Kidding.)   

Why Atlanta thinks they should get the convention

Why Chicago should be chosen for the 2024 DNC over Atlanta

We may not be a swing city (or state), but Chicago always delivers a memorable DNC convention.

President Bill Clinton gives a thumbs up signal to an audience member following his acceptance speech at the 1996 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Photo: Wally McNamee/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images 

Democratic National Committee (DNC)

The Democratic National Committee is reportedly close to deciding on the host city for its 2024 convention. <ul><li>Last week, the DNC <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="told" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/27/us/politics/dnc-convention-cities-2024-biden.html" data-vars-content-id="f54dcff1-8f55-4e6d-86e4-ea6dc4531864" data-vars-headline="Why Chicago should be chosen for the 2024 DNC over Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/27/us/politics/dnc-convention-cities-2024-biden.html" target="_blank">told</a> Houston the city was out of the running, and sources tell us that Atlanta and Chicago remain the front-runners. </li></ul>

In our new series showing a fresh side of this year's mayoral hopefuls, we present our Q&A with Illinois Rep. Kambium "Kam" Buckner.

The candidate: Buckner, the son of a law enforcement officer and a CPS teacher, played football at the University of Illinois and went to law school at DePaul. He's served in the General Assembly since 2019 as a progressive Democrat. 

🏡 What neighborhoods have you lived in? "I grew up in Roseland, Morgan Park and Washington Heights, and now I live in Bronzeville with my wife and 13-month-old son."

🏢 Favorite downtown building? "The Monadnock Building. It has a very charming old-school flair to it, and to me it symbolizes the endless strength and opportunity in Chicago."

🚗 Dibs: Pro/con? "Pro: The creativity of Chicagoans — what folks have chosen to put in their spots — is characteristic of Chicago and our enduring spirit. Con: It creates more chaos."

🎶 Favorite Chicago music venue: "I grew up loving the blues, so I have to say Buddy Guy’s." 

📺 Favorite Chicago TV show: "Good Times."

🌮 Favorite Chicago taco place: "Los Candiles."

Both dibs and The Bears present lightning rod issues for Chicago mayoral candidates. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios

💰 How much did your property taxes go up in 2022? "346% from 2017 to 2018 —since then, it's only moved up a few hundred dollars a year."

🏙 How would you get people back to The Loop? "I represent the Loop in the Illinois General Assembly, and the resurgence of the Loop is both incredibly important and personal to me.

"Downtown Chicago is very reliant on office space, and the economy relies on daytime traffic connected to people coming to work. We have to rethink the downtown of the future. Our storefronts need to lend themselves to experiential commerce like we've seen experimented with on Michigan Avenue. We have to make sure we’re prioritizing safety and functional, reliable CTA service so folks can explore all of our neighborhoods easily. We have to find a way to program iconic streetscapes and make it easier for people in our city to move around on bike and by foot. We need to convert some traditional office space to create innovative residential spaces as well."

🏟 Do we need to do more to keep the Bears in Chicago? "I would love to see the Chicago Bears remain and deepen their commitment to Chicago (including having their summer camp in Chicago — when they camped in neighboring Bourbannais, it did wonders for their economy), but keeping them in Chicago should not be a burden strapped to the back of hardworking taxpayers."

🚦 If elected, would you get rid of the stoplight at Chicago Ave. and the lake? "YES!"

🏈 '85 Bears or '96 Bulls? 🏀 "'96 Bulls. They were not just a basketball team —they were rock stars, cultural phenoms. They only lost 3 games in the playoffs and set the regular season win record at 72-10 that would stand for 2 decades.

"They won this championship in Chicago on Father's Day just a few weeks away from the 3rd anniversary of Michael Jordan's dad's murder. The Seattle Supersonics (the team that originally drafted Scottie Pippen) were never heard from again. It was literally their last game as a franchise." 

🏛 Finally, why do you want to be mayor? "I've wanted to be Mayor of Chicago since I was 12 years old, and the first time I said it on camera was when I was 17; I'm a son of Chicago, I love this city, and I want to make it the best version of itself."

Meet the (possible) mayor: Kam Buckner

Buckner talks Blues music, Bulls history and rethinking the future of downtown.

State Rep. Kam Buckner at a mayoral candidate forum in December. Photo: Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images 

In our new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="series" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/01/26/chicago-mayoral-election-roderick-sawyer" data-vars-content-id="fb8a2f3b-8ec5-4263-8586-71bb8ca7f414" data-vars-headline="Meet the (possible) mayor: Kam Buckner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/01/26/chicago-mayoral-election-roderick-sawyer" target="_self">series</a> showing a fresh side of this year&#x27;s mayoral hopefuls, we present our Q&amp;A with Illinois Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kambium &quot;Kam&quot; Buckner" data-vars-click-url="https://kamformayor.com/" data-vars-content-id="fb8a2f3b-8ec5-4263-8586-71bb8ca7f414" data-vars-headline="Meet the (possible) mayor: Kam Buckner" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://kamformayor.com/" target="_blank">Kambium &quot;Kam&quot; Buckner</a>.The candidate: Buckner, the son of a law enforcement officer and a CPS teacher, played football at the University of Illinois and went to law school at DePaul. He&#x27;s served in the General Assembly since 2019 as a progressive Democrat.

Justin Kaufmann

Stories

Meet the (possible) mayor: Kam Buckner

Why Chicago should be chosen for the 2024 DNC over Atlanta

Trail Mix: "Chuy" García off to rough start, Pritzker plays kingmaker

Candace Parker poised to leave Chicago for Las Vegas

Meet the (possible) mayor: Roderick Sawyer