CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — In what was billed as his first major policy address, Chicago mayoral candidate Dr. Willie Wilson touched on taxes, public safety and what sets him apart from the others who want to be mayor.
At his fundraiser at Maggiano's Little Italy downtown, Wilson told the packed event stopping violent crime is a high priority. He says he wants to lock up the criminals, and get rid of things that get in the way of officers doing their jobs.
He said the new Chicago Police Department policy on chases is wrongheaded.
An attendee asked a question about concealed carry gun permits in Illinois, and Wilson answered with an admission. He said he has a concealed carry permit.
Wilson said his father told him, "Don't leave home without it." He said he has three weapons and might get a fourth.
The mayoral hopeful isn't against all gun control laws. He says he is in favor of background checks. But, he said, the fees for the concealed carry permits are just a way for the state to make money.
The businessman and philanthropist also talked about finances.
“We’ll get rid of these high taxes, we’ll get rid of these red light cameras,” he said.
That remark sparked, by far, the biggest applause of the event.
If elected, Wilson said he'd attack poverty by investing in communities. He said that balancing the city’s books would be essential to making those investments while cutting taxes.
“I’m the only person in this race who’s a bonafide businessperson,” Wilson said.
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