(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Amid a wide field of candidates for Chicago mayor, Ald. Raymond Lopez is proposing a restructuring of city government, one that could include a reduction in the size of the City Council, among other changes.
Lopez, who represents the 15th Ward, is one of Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s most vocal and frequent critics.
But he said the election is more than just about getting elected. He’s proposing the creation of a Municipal Charter Commission.
Among other things, Lopez said, a new city charter should cut the size of the Chicago City Council by half — to 25 members from 50.
"Giving them true oversight over city government," he adds, "as well as subpoena power to ensure honesty and transparency."
Lopez said he also thinks the offices of city comptroller, inspector general and corporation counsel should be elective offices. The aim, Lopez said, is to provide long overdue checks and balances.
He unveiled his proposal Monday at a news conference.
The idea of reducing the size of the Chicago City Council has been suggested in previous years but typically has not gained traction.
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