Chicago Daily Observer

The Chicago City Council is debating the 2009 budget. Clout Street’s City Hall reporters are there and live-blogging the proceedings. Please scroll down for earlier updates…

Updated at 1:18 p.m.

Aldermen approved the budget 49–1, with Ald. Billy Ocasio (26th) the only vote against.

Updated at 1:07 p.m.

Aldermen appear to be nearing the end of the budget speeches and as expected, Daley’s budget looks like it will pass.

Ald. Virginia Rugai (19th) said this economic situation is far worse for the city budget than other hard times in 1992 and 2001.

“They look so insignificant in comparison to now,” said Rugai, who added that she’s voting for the budget.

Ald. Richard Mell (33rd) said the recession has hit Chicago like a tsunami, but the worst is yet to come.

“My fear is what’s going to happen next year… Next year could be like a meteor hitting Chicago and the ... Read More...

After the appropriate nod to the history made by Barack Obama’s presidential election, Chicago aldermen quickly got to the bottom-line, City Hall style: What’s in it for us?

Asked what she expected an Obama presidency to mean to her West Side ward, Ald. Emma Mitts (37th) replied, “One word: money. You’re supposed to take care of home first, aren’t you?”

Mitts said the city needs infrastructure dollars to “bring us up to modern times.”

Many aldermen gathered for Wednesday’s City Council meeting were happy to talk about their wish lists for the hometown president-elect.

“Obviously, the fact that you have in the White House a person who calls Chicago his home can’t hurt,” said Ald. Joe Moore (49th). “He understands the needs of the city. He knows all the key players in the city. His closest advisers, many are from the city. Clearly, Chicago is going to benefit from a ... Read More...