CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — At his last Cook County Board meeting as a Commissioner, the words of congratulations and praise were flowing for Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson.
A congratulatory resolution was read by County Clerk Karen Yarborough. It praised Johnson for work on key ordinances, such as the one that protects people who were formerly incarcerated from housing discrimination.
Commissioner Bill Lowry was among the board members who had a say.
“You know, we need a mayor who will be a communicator — not only speaking, but listening,” Lowry said. “You’ve shown that. I’ve had the pleasure of working elbow to elbow with you for over four years. You’re that person.
North Shore Commissioner Scott Britton, who endorsed Johnson, said he’s been criticized for being a suburbanite with no right to an opinion. He defied that and pointed out his first-born daughter lives in Chicago, and he said she deserves a safe city in which to live. Britton said he had no doubt his friend Brandon is in the best position to deliver on the promise.
Commissioner John Daley said — having lived with two Chicago mayors — that he can offer some advice about the tough decisions ahead.
“Don’t second-guess yourself. Don’t say, ‘We should have done that.’ People will make mistakes. They did. But in the end, you look yourself in the mirror and you say, ‘I have done the best for the city of Chicago.’”
New Commissioner Monica Gordon said she took heat for endorsing Johnson early but was sure he’d be victorious. She obviously believed in him, Gordon added, since she put in a bid for his office furniture.
And she got it. For his part, Mayor-elect Johnson thanked the board and said he’s humbled.
“We focused our energy on centering and uplifting the most vulnerable and the most marginalized communities,” he said. “In fact, I am a better leader today because of this body.”
Johnson had special thanks for Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.
Also in attendance at the board meeting was West Side minister Rev. Ira Acree, who made it known that he’d like to become the next person to represent Cook County’s 1st District. Acree has been the long-time leader of the Greater St. John Bible Church.
“I’ve been an advocate for this community and across the city and kept on it for many years,” he said. “I have the resume. I have the relationships and, also, I have the respect.”
State Senate President Don Harmon and County Clerk Karen Yarborough will have the most say in who replaces Johnson on the county board. Acree said he’s contacted both of them to ask for their support.
“I believe when they look at my track record, and they look at my heart and my commitment that, after years, I believe that it would be a no-brainer that they will support me,” Acree said.
Meanwhile, there are reports that two others — Marshall Hatch Jr. and Zerlina Smith-Members — are also interested in the seat.
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