WASHINGTON PARK (WBBM Newsradio) -- Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson formally launched his bid for a second term during a Sunday rally at the DuSable Black History Museum, saying the city is "better, stronger and safer" than when he took office, but that his work to make Chicago the "safest, most affordable big city in America" was not over.
"You all ready for four more years, Chicago?" the mayor asked to cheers from a crowd of hundreds of elected leaders and supporters in the Roundhouse Plaza at the museum, 740 E. 56th Place. Earlier, people lined up around the block to get into the rally, the start of which was delayed more than an hour by rain that moved through the area.
The 50-year-old middle school teacher and union organizer-turned-politician told attendees that his campaign is about keeping billionaires and their representatives -- who he says closed schools and mental health clinics and let the South and West sides sit fallow for decades -- from returning to the Fifth Floor of City Hall, traditionally the location of the mayor's office.
"While we have people talking about what they will do - I'm talking about what we've already done," he exclaimed. "They want to use the language of our movement without the struggle."
Johnson pointed to reductions in violent crime, the re-opening of three of Chicago's closed mental health clinics and the construction of thousands of units of affordable housing as signs that his policies are working: "We have given more to the public good in three years than (any) administration combined. Imagine for a moment ... what could we do with four more years together?"
At least 14 other candidates have already launched campaigns, including Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, Illinois Comptroller and former Chicago City Clerk Susana Mendoza and Chicago Democratic Congressman Mike Quigley. The citywide election is set for February 23.
Says city is "better, stronger, safer" since taking office
Says city is "better, stronger, safer" since taking office
