What Happened to that “Clean Break” Crain’s Promised Us?
From the Chicago Tribune
Emanuel’s office released his appointees list for various boards — including police, parks and landmarks — late Friday before the July 4 weekend. Many of those named were early Emanuel supporters and several have been politically active in Chicago for years.
Demetrius E. Carney, the police board’s current president, was reappointed to the board. Members make $15,000 a year and the president collects $25,000.
Avis LaVelle, a public relations executive and former aide to ex-Mayor Richard Daley, was named to theChicago Park District board.
Named to the Chicago Landmarks Board were former Cook County Assessor Jim Houlihan and former 48th Ward Ald. Mary Ann Smith, an early supporter. Emanuel named Sam Toia, an early backer and co-owner of Leona Restaurants, to the Zoning Board of Appeals, while the mayor picked Andrew Madigan, son of Illinois Speaker of the House Michael Madigan, for the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning Board.
What Chicago needs most from its first new mayor in 22 years is a clean break with the past.
While all the top contenders to succeed Richard M. Daley are political insiders of one sort or another, Rahm Emanuel is the most independent. He’s a product of Democratic politics but not of the City Hall machine.
He’s the most likely to fight for the fundamental changes Chicago needs at this time of fiscal crisis. He also has the temperament, vision and skills to win. For these reasons, Crain’s endorses Mr. Emanuel in the mayoral race.
Because nothing says “clean break” like hiring Mike Madigan’s son for some insider board position…..
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