(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The mayor of Burr Ridge says he's still trying to have a conversation with Gov. JB Pritzker about the state’s decision to send dozens of migrants to his suburb last week.
Mayor Gary Grasso also takes issue with Pritzker’s reaction to criticisms about how his administration has handled the influx of migrants sent by defiant Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.
He posted a letter online this week, offering his cell number for the Illinois governor to call “day or night, to rebuild a bridge you destroyed.”
Grasso says Pritzker, a Democrat, has complained Abbott’s administration has communicated little when it sends busloads of migrants to so-called “sanctuary cities” that include Chicago. The Windy City, at last count, has received 500 migrants who were seeking asylum at the Southern Border.
Pritzker is keeping local officials in the dark about where some of the migrants are ending up here, Grasso says. Thirty reportedly were staying at a Burr Ridge hotel as of last week.
“As there was no notice or information from the City or State, our ability to accommodate these refugees and answer reasonable resident questions about this decision and the refugees was nullified,” Grasso said in his letter.
He said he takes issue with how Pritzker has portrayed officials who push back, as being “xenophobic.” Grasso says he empathizes with the migrants, who are trying to establish better lives for themselves and are here "legally in Illinois."
He said at least Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot called him twice “to offer apologies, offer assistance — and mend fences” while Pritzker has not reached out. Pritzker has told reporters that the state is working with the hotel industry to find housing for the migrants, with little notice.
The letter from Grasso, a Republican, is CC’d to Abbott, also a Republican.
Related
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram