CHICAGO CITY HALL (WBBM Newsradio) -- Some Chicago aldermen say a promotional campaign designed to sell the city to business leaders may actually be selling Mayor Brandon Johnson to prospective voters.
The campaign is the work of World Business Chicago, which was set up by former Mayor Richard M. Daley back in 2000 to help attract more businesses to the city. The non-profit organization receives taxpayer money, and the city's mayor serves as its chairman.
Eight members of City Council have called for an Ethics Committee hearing to ask questions of WBC leaders and the mayor's staff about whether the videos, which are narrated by and feature the mayor, misuse taxpayer money for political purposes.
The mayor defended the videos last week, telling reporters at City Hall that they're an important part of the city's business development strategy: "This is not just about attracting businesses from around the world. Every time we get an opportunity to promote the work of the city of Chicago, that attracts business from outside of Chicago."
"How do you highlight to the people of the world how good of a city you are without showing how good of a city you are?" he continued.
His political team has invited supporters to an announcement on September 13th, at which he's expected to formally launch a re-election bid.
We asked World Business Chicago to talk to us about the videos. A spokesperson sent us a statement which says in part that Mayor Johnson is an "appropriate spokesperson" for the campaign, which they say helps strengthen confidence in Chicago's economy.
Members question World Business Chicago involvement; Johnson defends messages
Members question World Business Chicago involvement; Johnson defends messages
