CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Both of Chicago’s mayoral candidates, former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas and Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson, appear to be downplaying their alliances with sometimes combative labor unions.
Vallas is endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police. But former rival Ald. Roderick Sawyer (6th)—now a supporter—stood by Vallas’ side Monday and said he’s never seen Vallas agree with the opinions of the FOP’s controversial President John Catanzara.
“When Paul worked on behalf of the FOP in the settlement negotiations, I’m proud to say they used my resolution for accountability measures that were actually put into place, thanks to Paul,” Sawyer said.
Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson has been an official with the Chicago Teachers Union and has their endorsement. Johnson was asked if he would be at the bargaining table when the CTU negotiates its contract. He said he'd have a team at the table that would protect the City's interests.
Although that did not exactly answer the question, Johnson said the issues deserve “a collective response.”
While some members of Chicago’s Italian American community have recently said they want to hear how the mayoral candidates feel about issues like the future of the Christopher Columbus statues in Chicago Parks, both candidates insist it’s too soon to say.
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Asked about the Columbus statues, Johnson was quick to say issues of public safety are the priority in his mind, but he added that he wants to have longer, deeper conversations about such cultural issues later.
There was a similar response from Vallas, who cited Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s task force on public monuments.
“It would be most appropriate for me to look at the recommendations of that task force and have a broader conversation on the issues,” he said. “Right now, though, I want to focus on the core issues, and obviously the overriding issue is public safety.”
Both mayoral hopefuls said all history and culture should be respected and taught.
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