Forrest Claypool recounts Chicago mayor's reign in new book

We recently chatted with Claypool, who worked in Chicago politics for almost 30 years, including two years as Daley's chief of staff, about the book and more. Claypool is now a software executive living in southwest Michigan.

Here are some edited excerpts:

Inspiration for "The Daley Show": Anger "about the gradual decline of the city" and frustration "that no one seemed to remember the history and lessons" from recent decades.

• "I wanted to remind people of … the remarkable turnaround that came over [Daley's] 22 years."

The book's big takeaways: "Cities are important drivers of human progress … that produce breakthroughs in technology, finance and architecture, arts, etc.," Claypool says.

• Daley was a strong leader whose key policies bolstered quality of life, allowed businesses to thrive and created jobs.

Yes, but: "There's also the bad stuff like his association with a known mobster, the catastrophes [Loop flood], the scandals [Hired Truck] and the Burge torture."

• Claypool posits that Daley's tough-on-crime campaign as State's Attorney may have set the tone for a police force that engaged in increasing abuse.

Has Daley read it? "I don't know, but I know his brother Bill has seen it … I called to warn him the arc is about a transformative mayoralty but it's warts-and-all."

As someone who faced Bears relocation threats while Park District chief, where will the team land? "I would hate to lose that national advertisement for Chicago every time the Bears play on the lakefront … but I think they'll eventually go to Arlington Heights because it's simpler."

• "But I'm at least encouraged … Kevin Warren's trying to figure out a way to stay."

Subsidies for Bears vs Sox stadiums: "The Bears only play here eight to 10 times a year"… but the Sox South Loop stadium proposal uses "land that sat idle now for 20 years and if you jump start that with a stadium, and everything would come with it, you would have this economic development bonanza with jobs, revenue and growth."

Would Claypool ever run for mayor? "No, I'm happy running a business …but I welcome the opportunity to mentor and engage with young leaders."

Zoom in: Here's Claypool's ideal day in Chicago.

🍽️ Morning meal: Grits and bean cakes at Wishbone.

☕️ Morning activity: Drinking a pot of coffee and reading the papers.

🍕 Midday meal: A veggie pizza from Lou Malnati's. "They have the best deep dish in Chicago."

🚶‍➡️ Midday activity: A swim in a pool or "walk along the lake with friends if the weather is nice."

😋 Evening meal: "Trivoli Tavern on Green Street where "we always get the meatball appetizer … whoever designed that place, hats off to them."

🏀 Evening activity: "I like going to basketball games — Bulls, Northwestern or Illini if they're in town. We're at a kind of downtime for Chicago sports, but I still think there is no greater sports town in America."