(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The highly publicized war of words between Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis belied a far less volatile relationship.
So says Stephanie Gadlin, who served as a spokesperson during Lewis' tenure as head of the CTU.
Infamously, Emnuel is reputed to have dropped an F-bomb during one heated private meeting with Lewis. The CTU would later go on a bitter strike in 2012. At one point, Lewis referred to Emanuel as "the murder mayor" as the city suffered a surge in violence.
In actuality, Lewis was able to get along with Mayor Emanuel.
"She often talked of him in very fond terms, believe it or not," Gadlin said Monday. "But when it came down to negotiating for those members, the teachers, and talking about the needs of the students, she just pulled no punches there — friend or foe."
Lewis, who considered running against Emanuel for mayor, died at age 67 after a long battle with brain cancer.
Emanuel was among public figures expressing their condolences Monday. The former mayor tweeted that Lewis was a "tough and tireless champion for public education and for Chicago's children."
His successor, Lori Lightfoot, took a moment during an appearance to praise the labor leader. She said the two had one extended conversation and she was glad to have had it.
Lewis' passing comes as the CTU is considering a deal with Chicago Public Schools to reopen buildings for some in-person learning.
