During a discussion at the Goodman Theatre on Wednesday about the importance of the arts, Emanuel was asked whether he would follow the lead of other struggling big cities—by forcing non-profits to pay property taxes.

The mayor-elect did not answer the question directly. But the “philosophy” he articulated left little doubt about the pain ahead.

“There’s a lot of good non-profits and charitables. But they get a benefit on the tax side. And given the changes I’ve got to make and given the sacrifices I’m gonna ask from everybody, nobody is in a sacrifice-free zone,” Emanuel said.

“I love you all. You’re really important. But you’re not more important than anybody else…..If everybody gives something, then nobody has to give too much….If you think this is a change-free zone because what we do is so important to the human soul, then obviously I haven’t been clear throughout the campaign, not just today.”

Read more at the Sun-Times

image dismantling of St. John of God in Sherman Park