CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Opposing sides seem to be digging in as the deadline for redrawing Chicago’s ward boundaries draws closer.
The ward remap process is about the balance of political power. Alderman Gilbert Villegas who chairs the City Council's Latino caucus said population growth dictates that there should be two more majority Latino wards than there are now.
"Our colleagues are locked in. We are we are demanding 15 seats," he said.
But Black Caucus Chair Alderman Jason Ervin said his members insist on keeping their 18 seats despite African-American wards losing population.
"African Americans in this city have been disenfranchised for a number of years. And it's unfortunate that the map that our colleagues produced continues to push that narrative."
Mayor Lori Lightfoot is trying not to choose sides but said she does have parameters.
"It can't be done exclusively behind closed doors," she said. "There's got to be a process for a public engagement."
If 41 council members don't agree on one map by Dec. 1, the issue could go to a voter referendum on competing maps.
Related
