CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Ald. Sophia King (4th), who’s running for Chicago mayor, scoffed at Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s claim that she is a person who works well with others.
King said Lightfoot is at odds with so many people that it stymies progress. The mayor has countered such assertions and has pointed to her accomplishments as proof. Through COVID-19 and economic turmoil, Lightfoot has said, the city’s thriving. King, though, threw cold water on that claim.
“If we had been more collaborative, we could get through a period in time that has been, you know, really unsteady for everybody — a lot better,” King said.
She said Lightfoot is still at odds with the leaders at the state and county levels.
King also took aim at Lightfoot’s much vaunted Invest South/West economic development initiative.
The alderwoman suggested that if it's a crowning achievement, it's not exactly Lightfoot’s crown.
“Invest South/West, you know, she’s used a number of developments in my community — and those aren’t things that she started or nurtured, so it’s disingenuous of her to talk about those,” she said. “In fact, her predecessor started a number of those, so he could claim them, as well.”
Related
King, like several other candidates, also took aim at Chicago Police Supt. David Brown, whom the mayoral hopeful said she would replace, if elected.
“The superintendent has got off on the wrong foot here, you know, taking police out of communities, a number of reasons why we need new leadership,” she said.
King said if she becomes mayor, she’d create a reserve police force made up of retired Chicago police officers to help fill vacancies among sworn officers and detectives. She has suggested offering potential cops and educators low-cost property if they come to work in the city.
The mayoral candidate is the guest on WBBM’s “At Issue” program, and you can hear more from King at 9:30 Sunday evening.
Related
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!