>>> GOOD EVENING.

WILL COME TO THIS WTTW NEWS SPECIAL EDITION OF "CHICAGO TONIGHT."

I AM -- THIS IS NOT A FORMAL DEBATE.

CANDIDATES WILL NOT GET THE SAME QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WILL NOT BE TIMED.

THAT SAID, GIVEN THE NUMBER OF CANDIDATES ON THIS DATE AND THE TIME CONSTRAINTS, WE ARE ASKING CANDIDATES TO ANSWER QUESTIONS IN AND AROUND 30 SECONDS.

GOOD LUCK.

I WOULD JUMP IN TO KEEP THINGS MOVING , ESPECIALLY IF THEY SPECIFY INSTEAD OF ANSWERING THE QUESTION.

WE WILL BE CHECKING IN ON WATCH PARTIES.

BRANDIS FRIEDMAN IS IN AUSTIN, AMANDA VINICKY IN -- AND JOANNA HERNANDEZ .

WE ALSO HAVE MEMBERS AT THE UNIVERSITY CLUB OF CHICAGO AND OUR THANKS FOR THE CLUB FOR THEIR GENEROUS SUPPORT OF THIS FORM.

JOINING US NIGHT IN THE ORDER THEY APPEAR ON THE BALLOT.

JAMAAL BREEN, SOPHIA KING, STATE REPRESENTATIVE CAMP BUCKNER , WILLIE NELSON, FORMER CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOL CEO, AND COVENANT MAYOR LIGHTFOOT , CANDIDATE -- CONGRESSMAN OF ILLINOIS FOURTH DISTRICT, ACCEPTED THE INVITATION, BUT LATER INFORMED THAT HE HAS ATTENDED THE PRESENT STATE OF THE UNION .

LET'S GET RIGHT TO IT.

ACCORDING TO A STUDY IN THE MEDICAL JOURNAL , MEN BETWEEN THE AGES OF 18 TO 29 IN THE Z.I.P.

CODE ON THE WESTSIDE HAVE A GREATER CHANCE OF GETTING SHOT AND KILLED THAN U.S.

SOLDIERS THAT WERE IN COMBAT IN THE IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN WARS.

WHAT DO YOU DO FOR RESIDENTS OF THAT Z.I.P.

CODE?

>> WE MAKE SURE WE ARE SERIOUS ABOUT PUBLIC SAFETY, DEALING WITH THE REAL ISSUES THAT HAPPEN IN OUR COMMUNITY.

WE HAVE A MURDER RATE THAT IS WAY TOO HIGH.

WE ARE SPENDING $2 BILLION A YEAR ON POLICING IN THIS CITY.

IN 2021, -- IN THE CITY WITH A 50% CLEARANCE RATE.

WE ARE SPENDING $4 MILLION S. WE HAVE TO PUT RESOURCES INTO THE ORGANIZATIONS PUTTING THE WORK ON THE GROUND, CREATING SAFETY AND JUSTICE.

>> I WANT TO GET TO THE CLEARANCE RATE IN A SECOND.

WHAT WILL YOU DO DAY ONE IN OFFICE?

>> THEY WON, I WOULD OPEN THEM ON THE WEEKENDS, OVER THE HOLIDAYS.

BRING ALL COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS INTO THE SCHOOLS.

IT IS SOMETHING WE DID IN THE 90s.

LITERALLY HAD CLOSE TO NASH IN THE SCHOOLS .

AND DURING THE HOLIDAYS OR TO GET THE KIDS OFF THE STREETS.

THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT SPIKE IN CRIME SINCE 2019 BECAUSE THE SCHOOLS WERE SET OUT FOR SO LONG.

THAT IS SOMETHING I WOULD DO IMMEDIATELY.

THE SECOND THING, FOCUS ON THE CITIES CITIZENS.

THERE ARE SOME INDIVIDUALS IN THESE COMMUNITIES, NO HOUSING, TRANSITIONAL PROGRAMS INTO THE ECONOMY, NO TRAINING PROGRAMS.

I DO SIGNIFICANT WORK FOR THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT.

I THINK THOSE ARE TWO THINGS THAT WE CAN DO BESIDES PUSHING THE POLICE OFFICERS DOWN TO THE LOCAL BEACH SO WE HAVE -- INTEGRITY SO THAT EVERYONE HAS A POLICE CAR COVERING.

>> SPEAKING OF THE OFFICERS, MAYOR LIGHTFOOT, IT IS ABOUT 11,600 ON THE FORCE RIGHT NOW.

SOME FOLKS SAY THAT IS DOWN ABOUT 1000 FROM THE IDEAL NUMBER.

THERE WERE MORE OFFICERS HIRED THIS YEAR THAN 2017.

DO YOU BELIEVE THE POLICE DEPARTMENT NEEDS TO HIRE MORE OFFICERS?

HOW WILL YOU ENSURE THAT ONLY MODIFIED CANDIDATES ARE HIRED?

>> WE ABSOLUTELY NEED TO HIRE MORE OFFICERS.

THIS IS WHY WE SET UP A YEAR AND HALF AGO.

FULL-TIME RECRUITING TEAM, THIS IS ONE OF THE TOUGHEST TIMES IN THE COUNTRY TO RECRUIT, AND MAYORS ALL OVER THE OFFICER ARE -- THE COUNTRY ARE EXPERIENCING.

THAT IS BECAUSE OF THE INTENTIONALITY.

LEAVING NO STONE UNTURNED.

WE HAVE LOOKED AT THE PROCESSES WHERE WE USED TO HIRE PEOPLE.

WE SAW THE PROBLEMS THERE.

WE HAVE GONE TO HBCUS, WORKING WITH THE MILITARY.

CHANGING THE STANDARDS, NOT LOWERING THEM.

WE ARE DOING EVERYTHING WE CAN TO GET AS MANY APPLICANTS INTO THE ACADEMY.

I HAD TO PICK UP ON ONE THING THAT PAUL VALLAS HAS JUST SAID.

HE HAS REPEATEDLY SAID THAT HE WAS HIRED TO WORK ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM.

THAT IS SIMPLY NOT TRUE.

WHAT HE WAS HIRED TO DO THROUGH A CONSULTING FIRM, NOT HIM SPECIFICALLY.

IT WAS TO WORK ON RAISING UP GP RATES FOR FEDERAL PRISONERS.

THAT IS A FAR CRY FROM GETTING TO POLICING.

>> I DO NEED TO MOVE ON.

WILLIE WILSON, HOW DO YOU ENSURE THAT THEY ARE QUALIFIED CANDIDATES?

>> YOU HAD TO GET LAW AND ORDER FIRST IN THE COMMUNITY.

OBVIOUSLY, MAKING AN INVESTMENT INTO THE PEOPLE FROM -- MAKING SURE THAT THE FOUNDATION IS THERE, IN TERMS OF JOB, TRAINING, ET CETERA, ET CETERA.

THIS PARTICULAR MAYOR HAS LOST IT, TO BE HONEST WITH YOU.

SHE HAS BEEN HIRED TO DO A JOB.

SHE HAS MADE EXCUSES WHY PEOPLE CONTINUE TO DIE ON THE STREET EVERY DAY.

WE WILL TAKE THE HANDCUFFS OFF THE POLICE OFFICER, GET LAW AND ORDER, LET THEM DO THEIR JOB.

AT THE SAME TIME, MAKE AN INVESTMENT IN THE COMMUNITY.

>> YOU HAVE TALKED ABOUT DIVERTING SOME OF THE BUDGET TO ALTERNATIVE RESPONSE FOR MENTAL HEALTH COSTS.

HOW MUCH DO YOU WANT TO CUT THE POLICE BUDGET BY?

AND WHAT WITH THAT MONEY GO TOWARD?

>> I WANT TO SEE IT INVESTED IN PEOPLE.

THAT IS WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO DESERVES.

YOU MENTIONED THE WESTSIDE OF CHICAGO, I AM RAISING A FAMILY THERE.

YOU HAVE MORE BLACK MEN INCARCERATED THAN WERE ENSLAVED.

WHEN OUR COUNTRY HAD AN UNEMPLOYMENT RATE, WIGHTMAN IN THIS COUNTRY, OUR COUNTRY CALLED THE NATIONAL CRISIS.

WE HAD TO INVEST IN PEOPLE.

THE REASON WHY WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH POLICE OFFICERS IS BECAUSE WE ARE ASKING THEM TO BE SOCIAL WORKERS, THERAPISTS, AND ALMOST 40% OF THE CALLS THAT COME THROUGH AND I WANT OUR MENTAL HEALTH CRISES.

I'M INVESTING IN HAVING SOCIAL WORKERS AND THERAPISTS TO SHOW UP ON THE FRONTLINE TO FREE UP LAW ENFORCEMENT TO DEAL WITH THE SEVERE -- IN THE CITY OF CHICAGO.

ALMOST OVER 40% THAT HAPPENS IN THE CITY OF CHICAGO, IT HAPPENS IN 6%.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD THAT I AM RAISING MY THREE CHILDREN IN.

INVESTING IN PEOPLE AND HAVING THE PROGRAM IS ACTUALLY WITH THE CITY OF CHICAGO DESERVES.

>> THERE IS A PROGRAM TO HAVE MENTAL HEALTH FIRST RESPONDERS ON SOME OF THOSE CALLS.

SHOW OF HANDS, WHO WOULD CONTINUE?

>> I WILL EXPAND IT.

WERE PEOPLE WHO HAD TO TRAIN AND SHOW UP, NOT SOMEBODY WITH A GUN AND A BADGE NEXT TO SOMEONE WITH A CLIPBOARD, BUT SOMEONE WITH THE TRAINING THAT CAN DEAL WITH THE ISSUES.

>> LET'S GET ON .

KING, YOU SAID YOU WOULD EXPAND THAT?

>> I, ALONG WITH FELLOW COLLEAGUES, WOULD LIKE TO START THAT PROGRAM.

WE TALKED TO THE MAYOR ABOUT MAKING SURE WE HAVE MORE MONEY TOWARD THAT.

THE PROGRAM HASN'T BEEN EXPANDED.

OVER 50% OF CALLS TO 911 OR FOR NONVIOLENT ISSUES LIKE MENTAL HEALTH AND SECURITIES, HOMELESS AND SECURITIES.

WE HAVE TO DO THAT.

STATISTICS, LAWSUITS THEY TELL US THAT POLICE AREN'T IN THE AREAS WHERE WE NEED THEM THE MOST.

THE RESPONSE TIMES ARE DISPROPORTIONATELY IMPACTING UNDER RESOURCED COMMUNITIES.

AND WE NEED TO PUT POLICE IN ALL OF OUR COMMUNITY'S.

WE HAVE A PLAN THAT DOES THAT THEY WON, UP TO 50% MORE PULLEYS IN THE COMMUNITIES.

>> SOME OF THOSE 911 RESPONSE TIMES CAN BE OVER AN HOUR.

I WANT TO TALK ABOUT THE CLEARANCE RATE THAT WAS BROUGHT UP.

PART OF THE CRIME LAB, THE MURDER CRIME RATE, THE AMOUNT OF MURDERS TO GET SALT HOVER AROUND 40%.

ONE OF THE REASONS IS BECAUSE MEMBERS DO NOT COME BECAUSE OF FEAR OR DISTRESS.

HOW DO YOU ADDRESS THAT?

>> REALLY, THE URGENCY FOR THE ELECTED OFFICIALS HERE AND THE JOBS THAT THEY ARE DOING NOW.

GARCIA, HE IS DOING HIS JOB IN CONGRESS.

I WISH A LOT OF THE DOG -- A LOT OF THE FOLKS HERE WOULD DO SO.

THE MODEL THAT WE MOVE FORWARD THAN ANYONE ELSE.

HE IS COMMISSIONER OF AUSTIN.

ALL OF THE MONEY IN HIS DISTRICT GOES TO THE PARK.

WE WANT TO SEE URGENCY RIGHT NOW IN THE CITY OF CHICAGO WHEN IT COMES TO PUBLIC.

WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT THE CLEARANCE RATE, YOU HAD TO MAKE SURE YOU ARE INVESTING IN PEOPLE.

WHO WOULD INVEST IN A BLOCK CLUB INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAM THROUGHOUT THE CITY OF CHICAGO SO FOLKS CAN TAKE OWNERSHIP AND ACTUALLY BE ON THE FRONTLINES OF WHAT IS GOING ON.

ALSO CREATING A PEER RESPONDER MODEL OF SOCIAL WORKERS SO POLICE CAN -- >> THE CLEARANCE RATE, 5% FOR NONFATAL SHOOTINGS, ONLY 40% FOR FATAL SHOOTINGS.

WHAT YOU DO TO CHANGE THAT?

>> WE HAVE TO DO BETTER.

WE HAD TO MAKE SURE THAT WE PROVIDE, ONE, OPPORTUNITIES FOR THOSE THAT ARE NOT YET INVOLVED IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.

WITH POLICE, WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE KEEPING THEM LASER FOCUSED IN THEIR POSITIONS.

MAKING SURE WE ARE GIVING THEM ALL OF THE RESOURCES NECESSARY.

WHAT I HAVE DONE IS INSTITUTE AN ORDINANCE, WHICH PROVIDES THE WITNESS PROTECTION PROGRAM.

PEOPLE ARE SCARED.

PEOPLE DON'T WANT TO SAY SOMETHING, AND FAR TOO OFTEN, THEY ARE ASKED QUESTIONS IN FRONT OF THE OFFENDERS.

A DETECTIVE WOULD WALK UP AND SAY, DO YOU KNOW WHO DID IT?

THEY WOULD SAY, NO, I DON'T KNOW.

WE HAD TO DO BETTER IN RESPONSES , AND MAKING SURE THEY ARE SAFE , SO THAT WE CAN REDUCE -- >> I SEE YOUR HAND .

YOU NEED TO GET TO BRANDIS FRIEDMAN.

HE IS LIVE IN CHICAGO'S AUSTIN COMMUNITY.

>> YEAH, THAT IS RIGHT.

I AM AT BETHEL MOONLIGHT IN AUSTIN.

I TALKED TO YOU FOLKS WHO ARE HERE.

ONE OF THEM IN PARTICULAR IS CONCERNED ABOUT MAKING SURE CHICAGO, HER NEIGHBORHOOD IN CHICAGO , REMAINS AFFORDABLE.

SHE FEELS THAT SOME OF HER NEIGHBORS HAVE BEEN PRICED AND PUSHED OUT OF THE COMMUNITY.

THE VALUES AND THE TAXES CONTINUE TO RISE.

OTHER FOLKS WHO ARE CONCERNED ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES , OPTIONS OUTSIDE OF POLICING TO ADDRESS THE VIOLENCE THAT ALSTON AND OTHER COMMUNITIES IN CHICAGO EXPERIENCE.

ALSO, HEARING FROM SOME FOLKS HERE WHO ARE CONCERNED ABOUT MAKING SURE THAT THE NEXT MAYORAL ADMINISTRATION IS FULL OF PEOPLE WHO ARE REPRESENTATIVES OF CHICAGO AND THE COMMUNITY, VERSUS PEOPLE WHO ARE FROM THE OUTSIDE.

THEY MAY NOT QUITE UNDERSTAND THE LAY OF THE LAND.

PARIS, I WANT TO GET TO A QUESTION FROM SOMEONE WHO IS HERE.

SHE HAS BEEN IN AUSTIN SINCE A RESIDENCE IN 1965.

SO NOT VERY LONG.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING US.

WHAT IS YOUR QUESTION TO THE CANDIDATE?

>> I WOULD LIKE TO ASK THE MAYOR, HOW ARE YOU GOING TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR VOICES IN THE COMMUNITY , AS YOU MAKE DECISIONS AROUND SCHOOLS, TRANSIT, PARKS AND ALL THE REST OF THAT, THAT OUR VOICES ARE HEARD IN YOUR DECISIONS?

>> I AM HAPPY TO RESPOND FOR THAT.

WHAT WE HAVE ACTUALLY SEEN HIS REMARKABLE PROGRESS IN BRINGING DOWN THOSE HOMICIDES AND SHOOTINGS.

WE STARTED THE INITIATIVE BACK IN SUMMER 2019 CALLED THE COMMUNITY SAFETY -- WE HAVE LOOKED AT THE NEIGHBORHOODS WHO WERE DRIVING THE VIOLENCE, ONE OF WHICH WHO IS AUSTIN.

THROUGH THE COURSE OF LAST YEAR, -- 20% DOWN IN SHOOTING.

WE SAW A FLOOR OF 24%, AND UP TO 50% IN NEIGHBORHOODS LIKE AUSTIN.

HOW DO WE GET THERE?

WE GOT THERE BY LISTENING TO THE PEOPLE IN THE COMMITTEE AND ASKING THEM, WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO KEEP YOU SAFE?

WE WOULD APPLY AND ANSWER TO THE QUESTIONS.

WE WOULD APPLY THE SAME COMSAT -- CONCEPT ON EVERY THING WE HAVE DONE.

ASKING THE COMMUNITY QUESTIONS AND MAKING SURE THAT THE POLICIES , THE RESOURCES THAT COME BACK .

IF I CAN JUST FINISH.

THE RESPONSES TO WHAT THE COMMUNITY HAS SAID THAT WE NEED.

THE WHOLE CITY, THE WHOLE CITY GOVERNMENT RESPONSE IS HOW WE HAVE MADE PROGRESS.

>> I NEED TO MOVE ON TO A SIMILAR TOPIC.

THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IS UNDER A FEDERALLY MANDATED -- FOR REFORM.

YOU HAVE CALLED THE CONSENT DECREE AN EXCUSE TO AVOID PROACTIVE POLICING.

BY SAYING THAT, ARE YOU SENDING A MESSAGE TO OFFICERS THAT THEY DON'T HAVE TO COMPLY WITH THE REFORMS?

>> I HAVE NEVER SAID THAT.

I HAVE NEVER SAID THAT.

I SAID THE CONSENT DECREE IS A FLOOR, NOT A SELLING.

I HAVE POINTED OUT THERE THAT IT NEEDS TO BE FULLY IMPLEMENTED.

AND IT IS REALLY NOT.

THERE IS NO HEALTH AND WELLNESS STRATEGY TO THE POLICE, THE RATIOS OF SERGEANTS TO OFFICERS , IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE 1 IN 10, 1 IN 30.

THEY ARE DOING PILOT PROJECTS.

AND THEN OF COURSE, THE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.

THE ARTICLES HAVE BEEN PRETTY SPECIFIC ABOUT WHAT IS LACKING , IN TERMS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONSENT DECREE.

I MIGHT ALSO POINT OUT THAT THE CONTRACT THAT I CAME IN TO HELP NEGOTIATE, IT WAS TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.

THERE WERE CLOSE TO 2500 POLICE OFFICERS READY TO RETIRE, HAD THEY WAITED ANOTHER YEAR, INCLUDING ALL OF THE PROVISIONS THAT WOULD BE DEMANDED THAT WERE PRESENT IN THE CONTRACT THAT WAS AGREED TO.

WHEN I CAME IN AND I TOOK THE RESPONSIBILITY, I SAID I WOULD DO IT FOR 2 REASONS.

NUMBER ONE, THE ACCOUNTABILITY PROVISION BE INCLUDED IN THE BASE CONTRACT, AND NUMBER TWO, THEY MAY NOT BE CONSTIPATED FOR IT.

-- CONSTIPATED COMPENSATED FOR IT.

>> YOU SAID THAT YOU WANTED POLICE TO BE ABLE TO HUNT THEM DOWN LIKE RABBITS.

WOULD YOU CLARIFIED , SAY IT IS AN UNARMED TEENAGER FLEEING FROM THE POLICE.

DO YOU BELIEVE THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO TASTE THEM ON AND AND POTENTIALLY SHOOT THEM?

>> I MADE THE COMMENT, AND I ALSO -- THAT WAS KILLED.

ALL RIGHT?

YOU DIDN'T PUT THAT IN THERE.

ALL RIGHT?

THE ONE WHO COMMITS THE CRIME, I SAID TO HUNT THEM DOWN LIKE A RABBIT.

OKAY?

WAIT, WAIT.

>> I SAID IF THEY WERE FLEEING POLICE.

THAT IS MY PACIFIC QUESTION.

>> I'M TRYING TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT.

MY KID WAS LOST TO NONVIOLENCE.

A LOT OF PEOPLE RIGHT NOW, THEIR FAMILIES ARE LOST TO GUN VIOLENCE.

THESE PEOPLE ARE WALKING AROUND ON THE STREETS AND STILL HAVEN'T BEEN CAUGHT.

ALL RIGHT?

>> SPECIFICALLY ABOUT AN UNARMED TEENAGER?

THAT IS MY QUESTION, SIR.

>> AN UNARMED TEENAGER?

>> YES.

>> IF YOU COMMIT A CRIME, YOU HURT SOMEBODY, YOU KILL SOMEBODY , THEY SHOULD BE HUNTED DOWN LIKE A RABBIT.

THAT IS WHAT I SAID, THAT IS WHAT I MEANT.

IF PEOPLE WHO DONE KILLED SOMEBODY ELSE.

ALL RIGHT?

THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT I SAID.

>> HE SAID WHAT HE SAID.

ALL RIGHT?

>> THAT IS ABSOLUTELY OUTRAGEOUS.

WHAT HE IS SAYING THAT BECAUSE YOU HAVE THE PAIN OF LOSS OF A VICTIM OF GUN VIOLENCE, THAT IS UNFORTUNATELY WAY TOO MANY PEOPLE , THAT WE SHOULD TURN UP AND TURN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT INTO A GROUP OF VIGILANTES TO HUNT DOWN AND KILL PEOPLE, INSTEAD OF ABIDING BY THE CONSTITUTION AND GIVING THEM THEIR DAY IN COURT.

WHAT MR. WILSON SAYS IS OUTRAGEOUS, AND SHOULD BE CONDEMNED BY EVERY SINGLE PERSON IN THIS ROOM.

NOT JUST ON THE STAGE.

WE CAN HAVE THAT HAPPEN IN OUR CITY.

>> I WISH THE MAYOR WOULD BE MORE FORTHCOMING.

WHAT IS HAPPENING IN AUSTIN, THERE ARE LAWSUITS THAT JUST HAPPENED A YEAR AGO THAT SUGGEST THAT WE DON'T HAVE THE OFFICERS IN THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME.

WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR OFFICERS ARE MORE EQUITABLY DISTRIBUTED, PERSONAL.

SECOND OF ALL, WE HAVE A PLAN THAT DAY ONE, WE CAN INSTITUTE MORE OFFICERS , TO 50% IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD THAN ON NEIGHBORHOODS WHERE WE NEED THEM.

WE KNOW THEY'RE NOT THE ONLY SOLUTION WE HAVE TO TO GET TO THE ROOT CAUSE OF.

WE HAVE A PLAN FOR VIOLENCE INTERVENTION, AS WELL.

THESE PLANS AND WHAT THE MAYOR IS SAYING -- >> I NEED TO MOVE ALONG.

THE CITY IS IN THE MIDST OF PERFORMING THE HISTORICALLY PROBLEMATIC GANG DATABASE.

IF YOU ARE MAYOR , WOULD YOU INSTITUTE A GANG DATABASE?

>> ABSOLUTELY NOT.

IT HAS NOT MADE US SAFER.

IT HAS MADE PEOPLE IN COMMUNITIES, MANY OF WHOM LOOK LIKE ME, NOT BE ABLE TO WALK AROUND THIS CITY AND PARTICIPATE IN A WAY THAT IS FAIR AND EQUITABLE AREA THE FACT THAT WE ARE STILL GOING DOWN THIS ROAD.

AS YOU SAID EARLIER, THE DISSENT DECREE.

IT IS ONLY 5% COMPLIED WITH.

5%.

THAT MEANS WE ARE 95% FAILURE.

THAT HAS TO START ON DAY ONE.

>> IT IS ABOUT FILLED -- 5%.

DOES HE WEAR THE JACKET FOR THIS LEVEL OF COMPLIANCE?

>> ABSOLUTELY NOT CORRECT.

IF YOU LOOK AT THE LAST REPORT THAT CAME OUT FROM THE INDEPENDENT MONITOR, WE ARE AT ALMOST 90%.

>> FULL COMPLIANCE.

>> WE ARE ABOUT 80% IN COMPLIANCE OVERALL.

AND WE HAVE MOVED FASTER THAN ANY OTHER CITY IN THE SAME PERIOD OF TIME.

>> LET ME THROW JA'MAL GREEN IN HERE.

>> I WOULD APPRECIATE THAT ALL OF THESE FOLKS WANT TO -- THE FACT OF THE MATTER, THE FACTS ARE REALLY CLEAR.

WE ARE IN COMPLIANCE, WE ARE PROVING OUR COMPLIANCE EVERY SINGLE DAY.

THIS NONSENSE THAT YOU ARE HEARING FROM SOME OF THESE FOLKS -- >> JA'MAL GREEN, CAN I BRING YOU IN.

THE ORIGINAL QUESTION WAS ABOUT THE GANG DATABASE?

IF SO, WHAT WOULD IT LOOK LIKE?

>> NO, WE WOULD NOT UNDER OUR ADMINISTRATION.

WE WOULD DO IT WORKS.

WHAT WORKS IS MAKING SURE THAT YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE OPPORTUNITY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD.

WE ARE TALKING A LOT ABOUT POLICE HERE, BUT I DON'T HEAR ENOUGH ABOUT OUR YOUNG PEOPLE.

OUR YOUNG PEOPLE ARE ROCKING WALKING AROUND NEIGHBORHOODS HOPELESS.

WE PLAN TO GIVE ÷13-÷25 APPRENTICESHIPS YEAR-ROUND, WE WILL OPEN THE SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT THE DAY AND ON WEEKENDS, INSTITUTE TRADE AND TECH ABSTRACT THE CITY OF CHICAGO.

WE NEED TO START PREPARING THEM AND GIVING THEM ALTERNATIVES, MAKING SURE THEY CAN BE PRODUCTIVE, MENTORING THEM, GIVING THEM THE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES THEY NEED.

STOP TALKING ABOUT POLICE.

WE NEED TO INVEST IN PEOPLE.

>> WE GOT RID OF THE DATABASE AT THE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS.

DO YOU KNOW THERE WAS AN EIGHT-YEAR-OLD ON THE GANG DATABASE, AND AN 108-YEAR-OLD GANG IN THE DATABASE.

THAT IS THE OLDEST G IN AMERICA.

7% OF THE PEOPLE IN THE DATABASE LIVE IN THE WEST SIDE OF CHICAGO.

I CAN TELL YOU WHAT IS NOT WORKING, AS SOMEONE WHO WAS RAISED IN A FAMILY IN AUSTIN, ALL OF THE POLICIES APPEAR ARE CALLING FOR THE SAME POLITICS THAT LEFT OUR FAMILIES BEHIND.

MY WIFE AND I HAVE HAD TO COVER OUR CHILDREN COUNTLESS TIMES BECAUSE OF GUNSHOTS.

I HAVE RELEASED A BUDGET PLAN, NO ONE ELSE HAS DONE THAT.

I HAVE RELEASED ONE OF THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE SAFETY PLANS THAT NORMALLY THAT -- NOT ONLY GET ADDED, -- >> I HAD TO GET RODERICK SAWYER BACK IN HERE .

THERE IS AN INVESTIGATION THAT FOUND THE OFFICER PARTICIPATED IN EVENTS AND HAD TIES TO THE EXTREMIST PROUD BOYS GROUP.

HE HAS BEEN SUSPENDED BY THE CDP, BUT NOT FIRED.

SHOULD HE KEEP HIS JOB?

>> NO.

THAT IS A PROBLEM.

WHAT I WOULD HAVE DONE IS FIRE HIM IMMEDIATELY.

I DON'T CARE WITH THE UNIONS WOULD DO, COLLECTIVE BARGAINING, -- >> THERE IS A PROCESS.

>> AT THE SAME TIME, WE HAD TO DRAW THE LINE.

DO NOT TOLERATE THIS KIND OF HATE SPEECH, THIS HATE ASSOCIATION.

YOU HAD TO SET THE STANDARD.

EVEN THOUGH THEY MAY VERY WELL GET YOUR JOB BACK, AS A LEADER, YOU HAD TO DRAW THE LINE AND SAY, NO.

>> WOULD YOU FIRE HIM?

WOULD YOU PROHIBIT ANY POLICE OFFICERS FROM ASSOCIATING WITH ANY EXTREMISTS ARE WANT TO PROMISE GROUPS?

>> YES.

>> AND YOU WOULD BUY THIS OFFICER?

YES.

YOU HAD TO FOLLOW DUE PROCESS.

>> THAT IS ACTUALLY NOT CORRECT.

A LOT OF YOUR QUESTIONS ARE -- FURNACES.

IT CAME TO THE ATTENTION OF THE CPD FROM THE FBI.

UNFORTUNATELY, THEY DID NOT PROVIDE THE DETAILS OF THE STATEMENT THAT THEY TOOK FROM THIS PARTICULAR OFFICER.

CPD LITERALLY HAD TO START FROM SCRATCH.

THEY DID THAT.

THEY PUT TOGETHER A FULL INVESTIGATION OF THIS INDIVIDUAL THEY DIDN'T BELIEVE THAT THEY HAD ENOUGH EVIDENCE, BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T GET ALL THE EVIDENCE FROM THE FBI TO BE ABLE TO FIRE HIM.

OF COURSE WE CANNOT HIRE, SINNOTT SUPPORT, TO NOT RETAIN ANY OFFICER THAT IS ASSOCIATED WITH ANY HATE GROUP.

HOLD ON , MR. JOHNSON.

MR. JOHNSON, PLEASE.

I KNOW YOU WANT TO -- YOU HAVE TO TO GIVE ME THE OPPORTUNITY.

>> WHICH WAY ARE WE GOING, WHICH WAY ARE WE GOING?

BECAUSE YOU ARE DOWN HERE?

BUT NOT OVER HERE?

THE MAYOR HAS TALKED 5 OR 6 TIMES.

SHE'S THE ONE WHO GOT US INTO ALL OF THIS TROUBLE, RIGHT?

>> WHAT IS THE SPECIFIC ISSUE?

THIS OFFICER?

>> LOOK , EVERYBODY HAS TO HAVE A DAY IN COURT, ALL RIGHT?

SHE'S BEST -- CONFUSED.

LET A PERSON FINISH.

>> I AM TALKING TO MR. VALLAS.

>> NOW WE ARE TALKING CIRCLES, LET ME MOVE TO THE NEXT ONE.

>> THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT THE PEOPLE OF CHICAGO DON'T WANT, PEOPLE APPEAR BICKERING.

THEY WANT TO HEAR OUR SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEM.

THEY WANT TO SOLVE THE SAFETY ISSUES, TO HAVE BETTER SCHOOLS.

THIS IS SOMETHING WE HAVE TO DO.

>> THERE ARE A LOT OF PROBLEMS THAT I WANT TO GET TO.

LET'S TALK ABOUT ANOTHER ONE.

DOWNTOWN, SEVERAL HIGH-PROFILE CORPORATIONS HAVE LEFT THE CITY IN THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS.

THE CEO OF McDONALD'S SAYS THAT HIS COMPANY IS COMMITTED TO STAYING HERE IN CHICAGO.

CITY LEADERS CAN'T IGNORE THE PERCEPTION PROBLEM THAT THE CITY HAS AROUND THE COUNTRY.

KAM BUCKNER, HOW TO ATTRACT BUSINESSES HERE?

>> WHAT I HEAR FROM CEOs AROUND THE CITY, THEY DON'T FEEL THAT THERE IS ANY REAL PREDICTABILITY, THEY DON'T FEEL LIKE THIS MAYOR AND THIS A MINISTRATION LISTENS TO THEM.

THAT IS WHY WE ARE BLEEDING BUSINESSES.

I HAVE A PLAN TO GROW CHICAGO BY -- CUTTING THE TAPE, AND MAKING SURE THERE IS SOME REAL SYMBIOSIS BETWEEN THE PEOPLE AND THE CORPORATIONS THAT WILL HELP BRING JOBS TO THE CITY.

>> WAIT, WAIT, WAIT!

>> I THINK THIS IS AN IMPORTANT ISSUE, RIGHT?

WE ARE THE ONLY CAMPAIGN TO MOVE FORWARD WITH A PLAN WITH HOW WE WILL REVITALIZE IT AND TURN IT INTO A STRIP OF EXPERIENCES.

WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THIS IS A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE WANT TO COME AND TRAVEL AGAIN SO WE CAN CREATE A TEXT BASE.

HE WILL ALSO DO SO ALL THROUGHOUT THE NEIGHBORHOODS WITH MASSIVE INVESTMENTS.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE TALK TO AND HAVE A RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR CEO.

WE CAN'T TAX THE TOWN LIKE THE QUOTE, UNQUOTE BUDGET PLAN HE SAYS HE IS THE ONLY WANT TO DO.

WE CANNOT CONTINUE TO TAX FOLKS OUT OF TOWN.

>> MAYOR, ICU.

I WANT TO GET ALL THE SAWYER HERE.

WHAT SPECIFIC POLICIES WOULD YOU ENSUE TO PUBLIC AND PRIVATE -- >> AS I STATED, THIS IS NOT FOR VARIOUS ITERATIONS.

IT STARTED WITH MAHER MANUAL, NOW -- WE WILL MAKE SURE THAT WE FOCUS ON INDIVIDUAL BUSINESSES IN THE 770 -- 77 COMMITTEES.

WE HAD TO MAKE SURE THAT EACH AREA IS SELF-SUSTAINING, THEY ALL HAVE GROCERY STORES, ENTERTAINMENT AREAS, PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, THEY ALL HAVE THINGS FOR CHILDREN .

WE NEED TO BE FOCUSED ON THIS.

WE HAVE FAR TOO MANY AREAS ON THE SOUTH AND WEST SIDE THAT ARE UNDERUTILIZED, NEGLECTED, AND LEFT ABANDONED.

WE TALK ABOUT HOUSING.

WE DON'T NEED ANY MORE HOUSING -- DOWNTOWN AREAS.

LET'S LOOK AT INGLEWOOD, LAWNDALE, GARFIELD PARKS.

LET'S MAKE YOUR INVESTMENTS IN AREAS WHERE HAVE SCORES OF UNINHABITED BUILDINGS, LOTS THAT ARE VACANT.

I DON'T WANT THEM TO BE GARDENS.

I WANT THEM TO HAVE HOUSING, BE VIBRANT.

>> I KNOW YOU WANTED TO WEIGH IN ON THAT INITIAL QUESTION, BOWEN, CITADEL.

>> IT IS ABOUT 400 NEW COMPANIES HAVE EITHER COME TO CHICAGO OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS, OR SUBSTANTIALLY EXPANDED THEIR FOOTPRINT IN THE CITY.

WHY ARE COMPANIES LIKE GOOGLE SAYING WE WILL MAKE THREE TO 5000 NEW JOBS.

WHY IS KIMBERLY-CLARK MOVING ITS HEADQUARTERS HERE.

WHY IS KELLOGG MOVING ITS HEADQUARTERS HERE.

THE OTHER BUSINESSES THAT LITERALLY CUT IN ANY PLACE IN THE WORLD, BUT THEY ARE COMING HERE TO OUR CITY.

THE BUSINESSES THAT ARE HERE ARE SUBSTANTIALLY EXPANDING THEIR FOOTPRINTS.

THERE ARE DOING THAT BECAUSE WE HAVE THE MOST DIVERSE COMMUNITY, A PIPELINE OF TALENT, 200,000 STUDENTS EVERY YEAR IN UNDERGRAD AND GRADUATE, AND BECAUSE WE HAVE THE CLIMATE THAT IS HERE THAT THEY KNOW THAT THE ADMINISTRATION SUPPORTS BUSINESSES.

LOSING ANY BUSINESS IS ONE TOO MANY.

I WILL GIVE YOU THAT.

WHAT WE ARE SEEING IS AN INFLUX OF BUSINESSES COMING, PEOPLE COMING BECAUSE OF WHAT IS HAPPENING HERE IN CHICAGO.

TELL THAT STORY.

>> OCCUPANCY RATES ARE ABOUT 50% TO WHAT THEY WERE IN 2015.

RIGHT NOW, ABOUT 30%.

GIVE ME SPECIFIC POLICIES THAT YOU HAVE THAT WILL REDUCE THOSE RATES SIGNIFICANTLY.

>> THERE ARE THREE THINGS YOU HAVE TO DO.

YOU HAD TO PROVIDE PUBLIC SAFETY.

OBVIOUSLY, YOU HAD TO PROVIDE PUBLIC SAFETY DOWNTOWN.

I THINK I LOOKED AT THE 18th DISTRICT, AND THERE WERE 37, 38 MURDERS LAST YEAR.

IN 2018, THERE WERE FIVE.

CLEARLY, THERE IS A PERCEPTION, OR MAYBE IT IS A REALITY THAT DOWNTOWN IS UNSAFE.

I TALKED TO ALL THE BUSINESS GROUPS THERE.

PUBLIC SAFETY IS THE NUMBER ONE ISSUE.

AFTER COVID , AFTER THE MITIGATIONS, THE ECONOMIC HIT THAT THEY TOOK, THEY GOT POUNDED WITH SIGNIFICANT PROPERTY TAX INCREASE.

WITH NO PHASE-IN.

THERE ARE BUSINESSES THAT STILL HAVE NOT RECOVERED FROM COVID.

WHEN WE PROVIDED RECOVERY FROM KATRINA IN NEW ORLEANS, WE DID TWO THINGS WITH BUSINESSES.

THE FIRST THING THAT WE DID, WE COVER THE DAMAGE DONE BY THE HURRICANE.

THE SECOND THING WAS TO PROVIDE THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT.

>> I SHOULD NOTE THAT A LOT OF THOSE PROPERTY TAX INCREASES WERE THE RESULT OF REASSESSMENTS.

SPEAKING OF PROPERTY TAXES, YOU PROPOSE TO KEEP THEM WHERE THEY ARE, THAT REINSTITUTE A CARPET -- CORPORATE TAX.

IT HAS NOT GOTTEN MUCH TRACTION.

WHAT IS TO STOP THOSE CHICAGOANS FROM MOVING OUT OF THE CITY TO AVOID THOSE?

>> LOOK, HERE IS THE BIG PROBLEM.

THE POLITICS THAT HAVE LEFT FAMILIES BEHIND IS HOW WE LEAVE UP IN THIS MESS.

PAULA WAS THE BUDGET DIRECTOR DURING A TIME WHICH PENSIONS WERE BEING PAID.

EVERYWHERE HE HAS BEEN IN CHARGE OF CLOSE FINANCES, HE HAS BEEN RUN OUT OF THE CITY.

THE LOSS OF VETERAN TEACHERS AND BLACK EDUCATORS IS UNPRECEDENTED.

WHAT MY PLAN DOES IS VERY SIMPLE.

WE ELIMINATE THE DEBT , WHILE ALSO MAKING UP TO $1 BILLION OF INVESTMENT WITHOUT RAISING PROPERTY TAXES.

NO ONE ON THE STATE HAS PUT FORTH A PLAN BECAUSE THEY ARE EITHER LYING, OR HIDING THE BALL BEHIND THEIR BACK.

YOU CAN'T RUN ONE OF THE LARGEST ECONOMIES IN THE WORLD OFF OF A BAKE SALE.

I WOULD TELL YOU THE TRUTH AND ALWAYS KEEP IT 100.

THAT IS WHY I PRESENTED THE PLAN SO PEOPLE CAN LOOK AT IT, CRITIQUE IT, IT IS A LIVING DOCUMENT.

IN ORDER FOR US TO HAVE A BALANCED BUDGET THAT IS BETTER IN A SAFE CITY, YOU HAD TO INVEST IN PEOPLE.

>> CANNOT JUST GET TO SOPHIA KING, PLEASE?

A SUBJECT CLOSE TO MY HEART, ASSUMING THE BEARS LEAVE SOLDIER FIELD, WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF THAT STADIUM?

AND THAT AREA?

HOW WOULD YOU FINANCE IT?

>> FIRST OF ALL, I DON'T WANT TO ASSUME THAT.

THAT IS ANOTHER FAILED LACK OF COLLABORATION.

WHEN YOU COME IN PEOPLE IN A COLLABORATIVE WAY, YOU CANNOT EVEN HAVE A CONVERSATION.

WE NEED TO HAVE THAT, AND TO MAKE SURE THAT THE BEARS STAY HERE.

AND WE NEED TO LEAVE THE CITY WITH COLLABORATION, COMPANIES, TEACHERS, OFFICERS, EVERYONE WILL CONTINUE TO LEAVE THE CITY.

IF THE CITY IS NOT SAFE AND DOESN'T HAVE GOOD SCHOOLS, PEOPLE ARE GOING TO CONTINUE TO LEAVE WHEN I COME BACK TO THE CITY.

WE HAD TO HAVE A PLAN FOR THAT.

WE HAVE A PLAN FOR THE SAFETY FROM A VERY IMMEDIATE STANDPOINT OF A CRIME THAT IS HAPPENING IN EVERYONE'S FACE.

IT WILL ALSO GET AT THE ROOT CAUSES.

WE CAN DO BOTH.

WE DON'T HAVE TO CHOOSE ONE OF THE OTHER.

WE ARE THE CITY OF BOTH BIG SHOULDERS.

WE CAN HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE.

>> LET'S GO BACK TO THE NEIGHBORHOODS IN THE SOUTH AND WEST SIDE.

WOULD YOU DO TO LURE NOT JUST PUBLIC, BUT PRIVATE INVESTMENTS TO THOSE NEIGHBORHOODS?

>> A COUPLE OF THINGS.

I WANT TO ASK A QUESTION.

I WANT TO TRY TO EXPLAIN SOMETHING TO YOU.

IN ORDER TO ATTRACT THE BUSINESSES WITH THE LOWER TAXES, IN ORDER TO KEEP BUSINESSES, YOU HAD TO LOWER TAXES.

RIGHT?

YOU HAVE TO DO LOWER THE CRIME?

THAT KEEPS PEOPLE COMING TO SHOP.

KEEP THEM FROM GOING TO INDIANA.

LOWERING TAXES.

IF YOU CONTINUE TO RAISE THEM, YOU ARE RUNNING PEOPLE OUT.

YOU HAVE TO TO GET A HOLD OF IT.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD IS THE SONG THAT SAME WAY.

I'M IN BUSINESS.

I UNDERSTAND BUSINESS.

THE REST OF THEM ARE NOT IN BUSINESS UP HERE.

ALL RIGHT?

WE HAD TO DEAL WITH THE SITUATION.

ATTRACT NEW BUSINESS, KEEP THE BUSINESSES THAT WE HAVE HERE, KEEP THE CUSTOMERS HERE, IF THEY ARE COMING TO THE BUSINESS, DON'T DRIVE THEM OUT OF TOWN.

>> LET'S GO TO JOANNA HERNANDEZ, WHO IS LIVE IN LOGAN SQUARE.

>> Reporter: THANK YOU.

I WANT TO START OFF BY THANKING -- FOR HOSTING US TONIGHT.

THIS ORGANIZATION HAS BEEN IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD FOR MORE THAN 60 YEARS, PROVIDING RESOURCES TO THE BROWN AND BLACK COMMUNITIES IN THEIR AREA.

THOSE TOPICS CONTINUE TO COME UP .

THIS NEIGHBORHOOD HAS DEALT WITH IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

SHE IS A RESIDENT OF LOGAN SQUARE.

SHE IS A MENTOR, AND ALSO A PARENT.

WHAT IS YOUR QUESTION?

>> EVERYONE DESERVES A HOME.

GENTRIFICATION IS A THREAT TO PEOPLE OF COLOR.

DISPLACEMENT CREATES NEW CYCLES OF GENERATIONAL TRAUMA , THE PROPHET OF BANKS, DEVELOPERS .

GENTRIFICATION IS CALLED CAUSED BY -- EXCLUSIVE LUXURY CONSTRUCTION THAT INCREASE PROPERTY TAXES.

WHAT STRATEGIES WILL YOU USE TO HELP MAKE CHICAGO MORE WELCOMING FOR BLACK AND BROWN FAMILIES?

>> OKAY.

I WILL ADDRESS THAT QUESTION TO KAM BUCKNER .

>> WE KNOW WE HAVE A REAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING ISSUE IN CHICAGO.

WHAT MY HOUSING PLAN CALLS FOR IS TO MAKE SURE THAT WE NOT ONLY ADHERE TO BRING CHICAGO HOME PLAN BY INCREASING THE TRANSPORT TAX ON TRANSACTIONS OF $1 MILLION OR MORE , BUT WE ACTUALLY HAD TO BE SPECIFIC ABOUT HOW WE DO THAT.

RIGHT?

WE HAD TO PUT MORNING -- MORE MONEY IN.

WE HAD TO MAKE SURE WE ARE REFUNDING THE NEW HOMES FOR CHICAGO PROGRAM, AND DOING WORK FOR SINGLE-FAMILY REHABS.

IT IS NOT ENOUGH JUST TO BRING CHICAGO HOME.

YOU HAD TO KEEP CHICAGO HOME.

WE HAVE TO DO MORE ABOUT THE ALTERNATIVE UNITS ACROSS THE CITY, PUT THOSE ON CITY LAND, AND BEGIN TO MAKE CHICAGO A VERY DENSE CITY, ONCE AGAIN, GROWING OUR POPULATION SO PEOPLE CAN LIVE HERE AND MOVE HERE.

>> ON THAT NOTE, JA'MAL GREEN, THERE IS A NEED FOR HUNDRED 20,000 MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING .

>> SOME OF THE THINGS WE TALKED ABOUT IN OUR PLANT, HOUSING IS A HUMAN RIGHT.

THE ADMINISTRATION MUST ACKNOWLEDGE THAT ON DAY ONE.

SINGLE FLOOR COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS, RIGHT?

SO THAT THEY CAN BUILD FLOORS ON TOP.

WE WILL ALSO MAKE SURE THAT WE LOOSEN THE SINGLE-FAMILY ORDINANCE SO WE CAN HAVE MORE CONVERSIONS ON TOP, AS WELL AS THE BASEMENTS CAN BE GARDEN UNITS.

WE MOVE FOR A PLAN TO HAVE A PUBLIC BANK IN THE CITY OF CHICAGO.

THE PUBLIC BANK CAN INVEST IN PUBLIC HOUSING AND MORE MORTGAGES, AS WELL AS SMALL BUSINESSES.

ALL OF THAT GOES RIGHT BACK TO CITY SERVICES.

WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE BUILDING AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN KEEPING FOLKS THERE.

WE ALSO MOVE WITH THE CITY LOYALTY TAX CREDIT FOR THOSE WHO EXPAND THEIR HOMES WILL GIVE THEM 2% ON THEIR TAXES.

>> I WANT TO MOVE TO THE ISSUE OF IMMIGRATION.

THE CITY IS AT ITS LIMIT RIGHT NOW ACCEPTING MIGRANTS AND ASYLUM-SEEKERS FROM THE BORDER.

WE ALL KNOW THE DISSOLUTE -- DISPUTE.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO TO ACCOMMODATE MIGRANTS COMING TO CHICAGO ?

>> THE FACT THAT WE HAVE POLITICIANS AROUND THE COUNTRY USING PEOPLE AS A POLITICAL FOOTBALL.

THAT IS QUITE SICK AND WICKED.

THAT IS SOMETHING THAT AS A PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER, I CAN TELL YOU, PUTTING TOGETHER A FEW LESSON PLANS.

IT REALLY REQUIRES US TO LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE WHO ARE HERE.

RIGHT?

THE FACT THAT WE HAVE HAD A POLITICAL ECONOMY THAT PENS COMMUNITIES AGAINST ONE ANOTHER, THAT IS A PROBLEM.

WE HAD TO MAKE SURE WE ARE INVESTING IN NEIGHBORHOODS THAT HAVE BEEN HERE, AND MAKING SURE -- >> SAID THESE MIGRANTS NOT BE IN WOODLAWN?

>> WHAT WE SHOULD DO -- THE PLAN IS TO MAKE SURE THAT THE FAMILIES THAT ARE HERE , THAT WE SUPPORT THOSE FAMILIES.

ELIMINATED DISCRIMINATION AGAINST THOSE WHO WERE SEEKING HOUSING, POTENTIALLY THOSE WHO WERE FORMERLY INCARCERATED.

IT PROVIDES A MORE WELCOMING CITY FOR THOSE SEEKING REFUGE.

I AM SUPPORTED BY -- THE HOSPITAL IS WHERE SHE WAS BORN.

THAT IS THE SAME HOSPITAL THAT PROVIDED ME SUPPORT AT THE CLINIC BECAUSE I HAD ASTHMA.

THE FACT THAT THE CITY OF CHICAGO IS BRINGING PEOPLE FROM 57 -- MISSISSIPPI, OR CENTRAL AMERICA.

NO ONE HAS TO LOSE AT THE EXPENSE OF SOMEONE ELSE WINNING.

>> MAYOR LIGHTFOOT, YOU DID SAY THAT THE CITY DESK WHAT CAN YOU DO TO FURTHER ACCOMMODATE MORE MIGRANTS COMING?

>> FROM DAY ONE, WHEN GAVIN OR ABBOTT FROM TEXAS ENGAGED IN THIS HORRIBLE -- WE STOOD UP, THIS MEANS NOT JUST IN GOOD TIMES.

IT MEANS IN CHALLENGING TIMES.

WE PUT UP 13 DIFFERENT SHELTERS ALL ACROSS THE CITY IN NEIGHBORHOODS THAT ARE AS DIVERSE AS OUR CITY IS.

WE ARE REACHING OUR LIMIT.

THE CHALLENGES, WHILE THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS BROUGHT THESE PEOPLE LEGALLY INTO OUR COUNTRY -- I AGREE ACROSS THE CITY, ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

WE HAVE PROVIDED THEM WITH CLOTHING -- MORE RESOURCES.

FOLKS FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT , AND WE PUT OUR OWN MONEY INTO THAT.

THAT IS WHAT WE HAVE TO DO.

WE HAVE TO CONTINUE TO WORK WITH THESE FOLKS WHO ARE COMING FROM MONTHS THROUGH THE DESERT.

THEY ARE TRAUMATIZED, STRIPPED OF THEIR RESOURCES WHEN THEY GET TO THE BORDER.

AND IN MANY INSTANCES, THEY ARE IN DIRE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL AND MEDICAL CONDITION.

-- IS PROVIDING THE HEALTHCARE SERVICES, THE STATE WHO IS PROVIDING RESOURCES.

WE HAD TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DOESN'T DROP ITS RESPONSIBILITIES.

>> I NEED TO MOVE ON TO THE ISSUE OF -- 40% OF SCHOOLS ARE DEEMED UNDERUTILIZED .

22 AS HIGH SCHOOLS -- YOU HAVE EXPRESSED OPENNESS TO CLOSING SCHOOLS.

HOW DO YOU DO THAT IN A WAY ?

>> SEVERAL YEARS AGO, I WAS A PART OF THE GROUP THAT WAS WORKING ON HOW WE LOOK AT CLOSING SCHOOLS ?

IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN A PROCESS.

WHAT MAYOR MANUAL DID WAS ELIMINATE THE PROCESS.

A LOT OF PEOPLE ON THE STAGE, INCLUDING OUR DEAR FRIEND , KAREN LEWIS.

WE WERE MAKING SURE THAT WHAT WE DID IF A SCHOOL WAS TOO CLOSE, PROVIDE SERVICES, TALK ABOUT WITH THE SCHOOL WOULD LOOK LIKE, AND MAYBE EVEN OPENING THAT SCHOOL WHEN THE TIME CAME.

WE NEED TO HAVE THAT CONVERSATION NOW.

LET'S START TALKING ABOUT THIS NOW.

WE HAVE SCHOOLS THAT ARE 0% PROFICIENT IN READING AND MATH.

WE HAVE TO DO BETTER FOR OUR CHILDREN.

NO RUSH TO CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, NO COMPLEMENT OF SERVICES, LANGUAGE ARTS , OTHER THINGS THAT THEY NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL.

>> PAUL VALLAS, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

AND NOTING THAT THE CPS, ACCORDING TO THE MAYOR'S NUMBERS, IS COMING UP ON A POTENTIAL $550 MILLION BUDGET GAP.

HOW WOULD YOU PAY FOR IT?

>> LET ME TELL YOU WHAT WE DID, AND THAT WILL GUIDE WHAT WE WOULD DO IN THE FUTURE.

WHEN THEY WERE NEAR BANKRUPTCY, AND THEY HAD LOST 115,000 STUDENTS, PUSHED THE MONEY TO THE LOCAL SCHOOL LEVEL, ALL THE SCHOOLS BECAME COMMUNITY SCHOOLS, WHICH MEANT THEY WERE OPEN ALL THE TIME, OVER THE WEEKEND, OVER THE SUMMER.

WE HAD CLOSE TO 200,000 KIDS ENGAGED.

WE PROVIDED UNIVERSAL WORK-STUDY ANYWHERE FROM 10 TO 15,000 HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WERE WORKING YEAR-ROUND.

WE EXPANDED THE ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLS COALITION.

THE CONNECTION CHARTER SCHOOL, 22 MINUTE CAMPUS AL -- WE EXPANDED MANDATE MAGNET OPTIONS.

THE LANGUAGE ACADEMY PROGRAMS.

ENROLLMENT GREW .

IT GREW BY 40,000.

WE HAD 125,000 BOY STUDENT -- MORE STUDENTS THAN WE HAVE TODAY.

CEO OF THE YEAR.

I HAD TO RESPOND BECAUSE COMMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE ABOUT ME TWICE.

WE LEFT THE SCHOOL SYSTEM WITH ALMOST $1 BILLION IN -- IN 13 UPGRADES.

>> YOU DID TAKE A PENSION HOLIDAY ONE YEAR.

I NEED TO BRING IN WILLIE WILSON.

I MENTIONED THAT BUDGET GAP, HOW WILL CPS GO ABOUT CLOSING THESE DEFICITS?

>> YOU HAVE TO USE COMMON SENSE.

RIGHT NOW, TAXES ARE RUNNING FAMILIES OUT OF THE CITY.

THEY HAVE NO KIDS TO PUT IN THE SCHOOL.

THE TOWN IS RUNNING PEOPLE OUT OF THE CITY.

-- CREATING REVENUE.

WHAT I WOULD DO, I WILL CLOSE THE SCHOOLS THAT ONLY HAD 250 PEOPLE IN THEM, ALL RIGHT?

I WOULD SELL THEM, OR REHAB THEM, BUT AFFORDABLE HOUSES IN THAT, CREATE ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT IN PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY, AND GET THEM BACK ON THEIR FEET.

RIGHT NOW, THEY ARE JUST SITTING THERE PAYING $1 MILLION A YEAR.

MOST OF THE KIDS THAT FINISHED IN CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS DON'T EVEN KNOW HOW TO READ OR WRITE.

YOU KNOW?

>> KAM BUCKNER, I WANT TO BRING YOU IN BECAUSE YOU HAVE SAID YOU WANT TO KEEP THEM OPEN .

>> IT IS 2023, AND WE ARE SITTING HERE HAVING A CONVERSATION ABOUT HOW TO CLOSE MORE SCHOOLS.

HOW TO DISINVEST IN MORE COMMUNITIES AND MORE PEOPLE?

WHAT IS WRONG WITH US?

SERIOUSLY?

-- DID THAT TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE A RUNWAY TO FIGURE OUT WHAT WE CAN DO TO INVEST IN OUR SCHOOLS.

WE STILL HAVE NOT DONE ENOUGH.

LISTEN, WE HAD TO MAKE SURE THAT EACH SCHOOL HAS A LIBRARY, SOCIAL WORKER AND A NURSE.

WE HAD TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE OPPORTUNITIES.

WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE WE BRING TRADES AND TRAINING BACK.

WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THERE ARE PIPELINES TO EMPLOYMENT.

IF WE TRAINED THEM AND DON'T GIVE THEM JOBS, IT MAKES NO SENSE ABOUT HAVING A LIGHTBULB WOULD NOT LIVE UP TO PUT IT IN.

ONE MORE THING, PARIS.

HE IS SAYING HE WOULD DO WHAT HE DID BEFORE.

PLEASE, LET'S NOT DO THAT.

HE TOOK PENSION PAYMENTS AND USED THEM FOR OPERATING COSTS IN OUR SCHOOLS.

I WAS A KID WHO WAS IN THE DISTRICT WHEN HE WAS RUNNING IT.

IT'S NOT OKAY, NOT GO BACK.

>> WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH THOSE UNDERUTILIZED SCHOOLS?

>> WE ALL KNOW FROM OUR PAST THAT GREAT SCHOOLS DRIVE GREAT COMMUNITY'S.

I WOULD WANT TO BRING GREAT SCHOOLS TO GREAT COMMUNITY'S.

WE CAN ALSO USE THE TOOL CALLED OPPORTUNITY ZONE, IT ALLOWS INVESTORS TO PUT MONEY INTO THIS , AND TAKE IT OUT TAX-FREE IN 10 YEARS.

THAT CAN DRIVE HOUSING ON THE SOUTH AND WEST SIDE AND BUILD COMMUNITIES AROUND THE SCHOOLS.

YOU CAN THEN TAKE THAT INCENTIVE , AND THE MONEY THAT WE MAKE AROUND THAT, INCREMENT THAT TAX, AND BUILD THOSE SCHOOLS.

I AGREE THAT WE HAD TO TALK ABOUT BRINGING GOOD SCHOOLS.

ALL THE SCHOOLS THAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT OPENING NOW IN OTHER AREAS, THEY ARE ALREADY OVER -- SUMMER OVERSUBSCRIBED.

OUR PLAN CALLED FOR BRINGING SELECTIVE ENROLLMENT WITH A STRONG NEIGHBORHOOD CAN ONLY -- COMPONENT BACK TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD.

LET ME FINISH!

LET ME FINISH.

SO WE CAN DRIVE -- >> GIVEN THE FACT THAT SO MANY ARE UNDER ENROLLED, HOW DO YOU KEEP THEM OPEN?

>> FIRST OF ALL, IT WILL NOT JUST WORK WITH CLOSING SCHOOLS, OR WITH DONALD TRUMP'S OPPORTUNITY ZONE PLAN, EITHER.

IT WILL BE MAKING SURE THAT WE INVEST IN EVERY SCHOOL INSTITUTION THROUGHOUT THE CITY OF CHICAGO.

WE HAD TO MOVE FROM ENROLLMENT BASED FORMULA TO NEEDS-BASED FORMULA.

EVERY SCHOOL THROUGHOUT THE CITY NEEDS THE RESOURCES THAT THEY NEED, SO WE HAD TO GO TO OUR STATE PARTNERS.

WE HAVE TO CHANGE OUR FORMULA, AND WE NEED MORE MONEY FROM THE STATE.

WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT THE PUBLIC BANK, THAT CAN BE AN EXTRA STREAM OF FUNDING.

THAT CAN BE A PLACE WERE MAKING SURE THAT ALL SCHOOLS HAVE -- >> REALLY QUICKLY, BECAUSE I NEED TO GET TO -- >> I APPRECIATE YOU GIVING ME AN OPPORTUNITY TO RESPOND.

LET ME POINT OUT, WE HAVE 85 CHARTER SCHOOLS THAT ARE IN SUBSTANDARD BUILDINGS BECAUSE THE SCHOOL BOARD, UNDER PRESSURE -- LET ME POINT OUT THAT CHARTER SCHOOLS ARE PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT SCHOOLS, BUT THEY CAN'T USE THOSE PUBLIC BUILDINGS.

YOU HAVE THE HASKELL WITH 67 KIDS AND 27 FACULTY -- THEY WILL NOT LET THEM USE THE PUBLIC HOLDINGS.

SECONDLY, THE STATE, THE STATE AUTHORIZES THE SCHOOLS, -- OR DROPOUTS, THEY HAVE A PROGRAM CALLED THE ADULT HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM .

THEY WILL BRING INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE PUT INTO THOSE PROGRAMS INTO THE FUNERAL -- PROGRAM.

FINAL TO ALLOW THOSE KIDS IN COMMUNITY TO DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT THEY WANT TO BRING THOSE CHARTER SCHOOLS WHO IS 96% OF THEIR STUDENT ENROLLMENT THAT ARE BLACK OR LATINO .

TO ALLOW THEM TO OCCUPY AN OPEN ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLS FOR THE 30 OR 40,000 KIDS WHO HAVE EXITED THE SYSTEM.

>> MAYOR LIGHTFOOT .

>> I WILL RESPOND A LITTLE BIT TO THIS.

I KNOW YOU HAVE BEEN GONE FROM THE SCHOOL SYSTEM FOR A LONG TIME, EVERYTHING YOU SAID, WHY DON'T WE DO, WHY DON'T WE DO?

WE ARE DOING IT, PAUL.

WE HAVE ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLS TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE GIVING THOSE KIDS WHO HAVE MAYBE HAD A ROUGH START.

WE HAVE OPTION SCHOOLS.

WE HAVE MANY OF THEM.

TALKING ABOUT, WHY DON'T WE CALL OKAY?

WE ARE DOING THAT NOW.

HERE IS THE BOTTOM LINE.

YOU CANNOT, GIVEN THE SCARS THAT STILL LINGER FROM THE CLOSURE OF THE 50 SCHOOLS IN THE BRUTAL WAY IN WHICH IT IS DONE, YOU CANNOT HAVE THIS CONVERSATION WHATSOEVER ABOUT FIRST GOING INTO THOSE COMMUNITIES, TALKING TO THEM, SHOWING THEM THE DATA, AND THEN ASKING THEM WHAT THEY THINK MAKES THE MOST SENSE.

IN MOST INSTANCES, WITH THE COMMUNITY HAS ALREADY STARTED TO TELL US , WE WANT THIS, THIS, AND THIS.

LET'S THINK ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR OTHER THINGS.

WHAT MARTINEZ HAS DONE, AND WHAT I FULLY SUPPORT, WE WILL HAVE A BASELINE OF READING, SCIENCE, ART, AND OTHER THINGS THAT ACTUALLY MAKE SCHOOLS FUN AND ATTRACTIVE.

FUNDAMENTALLY, WE HAVE TO -- THE POPULATION BY DOING EXACTLY WHAT WE ARE DOING.

BRINGING REAL JOBS AND OPPORTUNITY, AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

>> I'M SORRY.

I WILL GET TO YOU .

>> HE HAS LITERALLY BEEN FIGHTING -- FROM EVERY SINGLE CITY HE HAS WORKED IN.

AND NOW HE WANTS TO BE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO?

>> AMANDA VINICKY, WHO WAS LIVE IN CHICAGO.

WE HAD TO GO RIGHT TO THE QUESTION.

>> Reporter: YES, I AM HERE AT THE BRIDGEPORT ART CENTER.

WE ARE JOINED BY COMMUNITY LEADERS, IN THOSE ORGANIZATIONS LIKE -- THE COALITION FOR A BETTER CHINESE AMERICA, THE CHINESE-AMERICAN SERVICE LEAGUE.

AMONG THEIR CONCERNS ARE THE RISING COST OF RENT AND TAXES, VIOLENCE INCLUDING IN CHINATOWN, THE ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES OF INDUSTRY MOVING NEAR THE RIVER, AND THEN ALSO ACCESS FOR IMMIGRANTS TO SOCIAL SERVICES, INCLUDING LANGUAGE BARRIERS.

AND ANOTHER BIGGIE IS EDUCATION, INCLUDING THE HIGH SCHOOL, THAT IS SOME RESIDENTS HAVE BEEN ADVOCATING.

THEY DO HAVE A PLAN TO BUILD A $150 MILLION FACILITY.

AND -- WITH THE CENTER HAS A QUESTION ABOUT THAT.

>> YES, DO YOU SUPPORT THE BUILDING OF A NEW HIGH SCHOOL AT ITS PROPOSED LOCATION ?

OR THAT IT BE BUILT AT AN ALTERNATIVE SITE THAT DOESN'T AFFECT CHA PROPERTY ?

OR NOT AT ALL?

THAT IT SHOULDN'T BE BUILT?

>> OKAY, SO THIS IS A HIGH SCHOOL THAT A LOT OF THE MEMBERS OF THE CHINA COMMUNITY WANT IN CHINATOWN.

SOPHIA KING, YOUR ANSWER TO THAT?

>> I THINK IT SHOULD BE BILLED AT AN ALTERNATIVE SITE.

AGAIN, THE SCHOOL IS ALREADY OVERSUBSCRIBED AREA EVERYONE IS ALREADY TRYING TO GET IN.

IT IS SUPPOSED TO BE A GOOD, VIABLE SCHOOL.

WE HAD TO HAVE GOOD, VIABLE OPTIONS ALL OVER THE CITY.

NOT JUST IN CERTAIN PLACES.

UNDER SOPHIA KING LEADERSHIP, WE WOULD MOVE SELECTIVE ENROLLMENT IN STRONG NEIGHBORHOOD COMPONENTS TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD, MUCH LIKE KENWOOD HIGH SCHOOL.

IT HAS A NEIGHBORHOOD COMPONENT IN THE HIGH SCHOOL, SEVENTH AND EIGHTH GRADE SELECTIVE ENROLLMENT.

WE NEED TO DUPLICATE SCHOOLS LIKE THAT ALL OVER THE CITY SO THAT EVERYBODY HAS A VIABLE -- >> BRANDON JOHNSON, YOU ARE BRINGING UP PAUL VALLAS.

TEACHERS UNIONS HAVE PROVIDED THE BULK OF YOUR FUNDING.

YOU ARE PART OF THE TEACHERS UNION.

NAME SPECIFIC POLICIES FOR ME THAT YOU DIFFER ON?

>> FIRST OF ALL, I'M GRATEFUL TO BE SUPPORTED BY THE WORKING PEOPLE IN THE CITY OF CHICAGO.

WHETHER YOU ARE CROSSING GUARD, HOME HEALTHCARE PROVIDER, CHILD CARE PROVIDER.

THE FACT THAT I REPRESENT THE INTEREST OF WORKING PEOPLE, THAT IS WHAT THE CITY OF CHICAGO DESIRES.

FOR TOO LONG, THE INTERESTS OF CORPORATIONS HAVING REPRESENTED.

THEY COULD HAVE FUNDED TRANSPORTATION, HEALTHCARE, HOUSING, JOBS.

OVER 70% OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO SAID THAT THEY SHOULD PAY THEIR FAIR SHARE OF TAXES.

>> THE QUESTION IS, WHERE THE YOU DIFFER?

>> IF YOU ARE ASKING ME IF I DO NOT BELIEVE IN PUBLIC EDUCATION, WHAT KIND OF QUESTION IS THAT?

PUBLIC EDUCATION AT THE EXPENSE OF THE STATE, THOSE ARE THE WORDS OF -- YES, I BELIEVE WE SHOULD HAVE FULLY FUNDED SCHOOLS.

DR. KING SAID THAT THE LABOR RIGHTS MOVEMENT IN THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT WERE TO EVER COLLIDE, WHAT POTENTIAL WOULD HAVE.

I AM MANIFESTING THE DREAMS OF OUR ANCESTORS, RAISED BY A PASTOR, RAISED BY A PUBLIC EMPLOYEE.

IF SOMEONE IS -- THEN THEY ARE MAD.

>> POLICIES ACROSS VARIOUS SPECTRUM OF ISSUES.

I NEED TO MOVE ON.

>> AFFORDABLE HOUSING, TRANSPORTATION.

>> MAYOR LIGHTFOOT, A RECENT SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH FOUND THAT -- ARE SICK OF GHOST BUSES AND TRAINS, THE FILTH, AND THE VIOLENCE.

HOW WOULD YOU FIX THIS?

>> WE HAVE ALREADY STARTED TO FIX THOSE ISSUES.

WE STARTED WITH TALKING TO THE UNION TO FIND OUT FROM THEM WHAT ARE THEY SAYING EVERYDAY.

THERE ON THE FRONT LINE.

WE WANT MORE UNIFORM POLICE.

ON THE STATIONS, IN THE BUSES.

THAT IS WHAT WE HAVE DONE.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE PEOPLE WRITING THE TRAINS THAT ARE LOOKING OUT FOR DANGEROUS.

WE HAVE DONE THAT.

A LOT OF THE PROBLEMS THAT MANIFEST THEMSELVES , THEY START WITH PEOPLE JUMPING .

THEY ADDED MORE SECURITY , CANINE PATROLS AT THE BOX TO MAKE SURE THAT WE LIMITED PEOPLE FROM JUMPING THE RAILS.

THE OTHER THING WE HAVE DONE IS MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE DEALING WITH THE HOMELESS CHALLENGE THAT WE FIND.

DURING THE PANDEMIC, WHEN RIDERSHIP WAS DOWN, THE HOMELESS THAT HAD BEEN ON THE RAILS FOR QUITE SOME TIME DIDN'T LEAVE.

THEY DIDN'T HAVE THE AFTERNOON REST.

WE ARE WORKING WITH ADVOCATES TO MAKE SURE WE ARE ADDRESSING THOSE ISSUES.

>> WE HAD TO LEAVE IT THERE.

I KNOW EVERYONE HAS A LOT MORE TO SAY.

THANKS AGAIN TO OUR FRIENDS AT THE UNIVERSITY CLUB OF CHICAGO FOR THEIR SUPPORT .

THANKS ALSO TO OUR GUESTS AT OUR WATCH PARTIES AND TO OUR STUDIO AUDIENCE HERE AND THE CANDIDATES FOR MAYOR OF CHICAGO.

WE ARE BACK TO WRAP THINGS UP RIGHT AFTER THIS.

THANK YOU.

>>> THAT IS OUR PROGRAM.

BRANDIS AND I WILL BE BACK FOR ANOTHER EDITION OF "CHICAGO TONIGHT.".

FOR ALL OF US HERE AT WTTW NEWS, I AM PARIS SCHUTZ.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR WATCHING.

STAY HEALTHY AND SAFE, WE WILL SEE YOU TOMORROW., ♪