Ray Hanania
Suburbanites, you’re next
By Ray Hanania
Brandon Johnson, the Cook County Commissioner very few people heard of, defeated Paul Vallas in the runoff for Chicago mayor.
Don’t believe that the major issues between them determined the election results.
Vallas criticized Johnson for his numerous statements calling to defund the police, his support of looters who destroyed businesses in the summer riots of 2020, and avoiding the need to toughen responses to criminals.
Johnson criticized Vallas for his actions as a former school CEO, claiming his policies forced an increase in property taxes, accused him of being a Trump Republican and called him homophobic.
But it seemed that crime was most important on the minds of the voters in Chicago, who, so far, have managed to avoid being killed or injured by the rampaging criminals, carjackers and violent thugs.
Cook County Commissioner Johnson authored a resolution after the looting to “redirect funds from policing and incarceration to public services not administered by law enforcement that promote community health and safety equitably.”
Ray Hanania
Johnson’s activism to defend criminals and undermine police got little play mainly because there were so many other more outspoken anti-police politicians doing worse, like Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx.
The analysts, all predicting Vallas would win, are not spinning this explanation as to why he lost. Chicago voters are concerned about crime but not enough to make defunding the police and support of looters less important than claims that Vallas was somehow tied to Trump, which is an outright lie.
So, what is the real reason why Johnson won and Vallas lost?
The significance of crime is one of the most important issues facing the City of Chicago. The gun violence — in a city that bans guns, mind you — remains a serious threat. Foxx and politicians like her are easing the punishments on criminals, who are not stupid and understand they face lesser punishment in Cook County than they do in other counties like Will and DuPage.
While everyone wants to make it about race, it really wasn’t race driving how people voted. Vallas, who is white, had many African American and Hispanic supporters and Johnson, who is black, had many white and Hispanic supporters.
The pundits want to blur Johnson’s anti-police sentiments and try to tell you that the results show that voters were more concerned about property tax hikes, poverty, and improving education, all very important issues. But, more important than crime?
If a criminal kills you, it doesn’t matter how much education you get, what your property taxes were, or whether or not you have a good job or on welfare.
Being soft on crime was marginalized by an even greater force.
Johnson had a political machine that was pushing his candidacy. Vallas had the issues.
As it was true before it is true today, the machine determines election results.
Election board data is still being tabulated, but the latest numbers this week show Johnson has 51.44% of the vote or 287,557 votes, and Vallas has 48.56%, or 271,443 ballots.
The difference between the two, as I write this column, is only 16,114. That’s out of 560,123 total votes cast.
Johnson has a machine. Not a new one that he organized, but one that has controlled the City of Chicago now for more than two decades. This machine is the Chicago Teachers Union, which spends mightily to get salaries for their organizers and twists and distorts issues to justify more pay hikes for teachers. And what teacher in crime-ridden Chicago wants to complain about getting more money?
Johnson also has AFSCME, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, which is a part of the AFL-CIO union.
Those two organizations have an army of “precinct captains” who are led by far left activist leaders determined to gut the police, protect criminals from prosecution and secure as much money for their members as possible.
I’m not against teachers making more money, although government pensions are outrageous and AFSCME is preventing reform.
I am against the ideology of hate against police. Criminals should be prosecuted and punished, thinking that the activists have redefined as a new form of racism from white people.
I am not against teachers. They should be safe and earn wages that can address today’s economic turmoil. But that’s something everyone needs, not just teachers.
We are in a new era where machine politics now decides Chicago’s future. The only thing left is for those who fled the violence in Chicago to the suburbs to prevent that Chicago criminal bent to grow in their own communities.
Suburbanites: You’re next.
(Ray Hanania is a former Chicago City Hall reporter and award-winning columnist. Visit hanania.com for more commentary.)
31 Comments
Local News
Area Sports Roundup | New coaches named at Richards and Stagg
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent A few area high school coaching vacancies have been filled, including those for Richards boys basketball and Stagg football. Jamal Thompson takes over at Richards for Kyle Rathbun. Thompson has experience coaching at Seton, Leo and St. Rita. Jacob O’Connor will lead Stagg football, where he takes the reins…
Memorial service honors longtime Independence art teacher
Spread the loveBy Kelly White Palos School District 128 honored the life of one of its beloved educators with a Memorial Service. The service at Independence Jr. High School, 6610 W. Highland Dr., Palos Heights, May 24 honored the legacy of longtime art teacher, Mike Maholland, of Hickory Hills, who passed away on February 18.…
Oak Lawn Chamber to sponsor Restaurant Week
Spread the loveBy Bob Bong More than a dozen restaurants have signed up to take part in the Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural Restaurant Week in June. “This is a new endeavor for us,” said Anne Fritz, chamber executive director. “This will be our unofficial kick off to summer.” Fritz said the chamber’s marketing…
One-in-a-million blue-eyed cicada found in Orland Park
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Kelly Simkins is an aspiring musician and someday she just might hit the stage and perform a Frank Sinatra song. Meanwhile, the Crestwood resident is partnering with another “Ol Blue Eyes” for a little fame. So, start spreading the news… Simkins, who owns Merlin’s Rockin’ Pet Show, was in Orland…
Summit looks to replace aging pedestrian bridge
Spread the loveBy Carol McGowan Generations of Summit residents have used the 74th Avenue pedestrian bridge and village officials are now getting ready to replace the aging structure. Village Engineer Tim Klass from Novotny Engineering recently discussed replacing the bridge with a crowd of about 75 people at a community meeting on May 15 at…
Flagg Creek golfers will pay more for greens fees
Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch It will cost more to play at Flagg Creek Golf Course in Countryside this summer. The Pleasant Dale Park District, by a 4-1 vote, recently approved a rate increase that had been unanimously approved by the Countryside City Council in April. The park district and city are co-owners of Flagg…
McCook fire hydrants to be sandblasted and painted
Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch Decades of paint – some three-quarters of an inch thick – will be sandblasted off most of the fire hydrants in McCook this summer. “For 30, 40 years we’ve been painting over them. They’ve never been sandblasted. It’s well overdue,” Mayor Terrance Carr said during the most recent board meeting.…
Woman sentenced in 2003 murders of newborn twins
Spread the loveFrom staff reports A 44-year-old woman, charged in the 2003 deaths of her newborn twins following an extensive cold case investigation by Cook County Sheriff’s Police, has been convicted of murder. On May 8, Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart announced that Antoinette Briley pled guilty to murder at the Bridgeview Courthouse and…
McCook approves ‘preventive’ rodent control program
Spread the loveBy Steve Metsch The McCook Village Board earlier this month approved what Mayor Terrance Carr calls “preventive maintenance.” The board on May 6 unanimously approved paying Rose Pest Solutions $12,000 for a 10-week rodent control program throughout the village. It’s not that the McCook now has a rat problem, Carr said. It’s that…
Summit, property owners discuss apartment inspections
Spread the loveBy Carol McGowan Nearly 75 people attended a community meeting last Wednesday evening in the multi-purpose room of Graves School to learn about changes coming to the village. Three topics highlighted the meeting. Rental property inspections, lead line replacement, and replacing the 74th Avenue pedestrian bridge. Mayor Sergio Rodriguez tackled the controversial rental…
Neighbors
Niego Real Estate salutes America again
Spread the love. Popular flag program underway . By Tim Hadac Clearing and Garfield Ridge residents who want to decorate their blocks in red, white and blue this Independence Day are encouraged to contact Niego Real Estate and reserve a supply of U.S. flags at no charge. The popular program to promote patriotism and community…
Lyons Mental Health Commission pulls LeaderShop funding
Spread the loveExecutive director accused of harassment From staff reports The local nonprofit service community was jolted when nearly $300,000 in mental health funds was withdrawn by a Lyons Township agency from the Western Springs LeaderShop, a social service agency that has provided youth programs for nearly 40 years. The Lyons Township Mental Health Commission…
Mount Carmel, Marist and Oak Lawn among 84 teams at Riverside-Brookfield shootout
Spread the loveBy Xavier Sanchez Correspondent High school boys basketball does not stop in March and pick back up in late autumn. For many players, playing hoops is a year-round commitment. AAU ball is a big reason for, that there are summer camps, shootouts or other events at most schools during the summer. The…
Dog lovers to celebrate ‘Fur of July’
Spread the love. By Peggy Zabicki Your correspondent in West Lawn 3633 W. 60th Place • (773) 504-9327 . I’m starting out with some fun news. The West Lawn Dog Park Advisory Council will be hosting a Fur of July Pet Parade on Saturday, June 29 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at West Lawn…
Fourth of July not happy for everyone
Spread the love. By Mary Stanek Your correspondent in Archer Heights and West Elsdon 3808 W. 57th Place • (773) 517-7796 . Happy Fourth of July. Cannot believe I am already saying that, time sure goes. Hope it is safe and quiet for everyone and especially all of our house pets. For us its shutting…
St. Rita’s transformation is worth a look
Spread the love. Kathy Headley Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor 6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778 . St. Rita of Cascia Church, 63rd and Fairfield, continues to undergo its transformation from the sunflowery/harvest golds and browns of the 1960s and 1970s to the calming pastels of the 2000s. Since the basilica-style church…
Loss to Courage brings Red Stars’ winless streak to five games
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent The Chicago Red Stars historic start to the season is all but forgotten. In the last five matches, the Red Stars have failed to win, with the latest setback being a 3-1 loss on the road to North Carolina on June 23 in an NWSL battle. The Red Stars…
Summer League Basketball | Illinois powers compete at Riverside-Brookfield Shootout
Spread the loveBy Xavier Sanchez Correspondent School’s out for the summer, but high school athletes across Illinois are remaining active during the summer sports season. This includes basketball players, who can be found at camps, open gyms, camps and even weekend tournaments. Among the more high profile hoops action in the area was the Riverside-Brookfield…
Dana Rettke and Ryan Murphy heading to Paris Summer Games
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent Area fans of the Summer Olympics will have extra reasons to cheer athletes from the United States in the upcoming Paris Games. Dana Rettke of Riverside is a member of the U.S. women’s volleyball team and Palos Heights native Ryan Murphy will represent the country in swimming. Rettke, a…
Hope Church feeds the hungry at Marquette Park
Spread the love. Kathy Headley Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor 6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778 . Last week on the way to our CAPS meeting at the Marquette Park Fieldhouse, I stopped in at the Tuesday Community Dinner hosted by Hope Church every week in the auditorium. Pastors Ben and Jordyn…
Bravo!!!! Right on target. Thank you. I appreciate every column you write.
A once great city continues to decline.
I weep for the future
IM WITH YOU ON ALL YOU SAID MASTRO!
Lol Police behavior, misconduct, actions, murders, harassment and brutality has plaqued the justice system long enough. Planting drugs, forcing murder conviction, lying and tampering with evidence and cover ups has contributed to their demise from 49 States. All our branches are corrupt, greedy and destructive and are guilty of Genocide threw law enforcement & Government officials but All Lives Matter
Great piece, Ray
I grew up in Chicago. My roots are Logan Square. It has been a very, very sad past 20-years for such a Great City – CHICAGO. I pray, but sorrowfully, that Chicago WAKES UP. What B. Johnson initiates in his first 24-hours as Mayor will be telling. Preckwingle and Foxx running Chicago, or Johnson. God bless.
This article is part of the fear tactic straight out of the GOP hand book. If you want to eliminate crime, let’s start by getting these illegal guns and drugs off the street. No one wants to address this. Let us begin there
Well said, though so unfortunately, Chicago is Chicago, in only a short time, Chicago will wish they would have made a different choice, it going to go from worse to worse as it get. Everone knows the School Teachers own this Mayor and he is indebted to them until eternal.
I agree!
I live in Burnham….a south suburb of Chicago. I call Burnham “little Chicago “.
I will never understand why some believe that society can punish its way to public safety. Having more police and creating more ways to permanently punish people has never created safer communities. Even in countries with authoritarian governments where people are beheaded or where limbs are cut off as punishment violent crime persists. Communities with good schools, healthy employment levels, and resources that include housing, healthy food choices, and adequate health-care have lower incidents of violent crime. It’s not rocket science. It’s the people most impacted by the violence who constantly plead for the equity and infrastructure that is the foundation for healthy communities. Ultimately it’s healthy people that make healthy communities and until you and others understand that we will continue to argue over the failed lock them up strategies. It’s just stupid.
To Mr. Brown I must admit that you have a firm grasp on this issue of crime, it’s obvious that you have come to a logical and rational conclusion and might I add the right conclusion. I also must admit that although you are correct in your analysis most people have been so brainwashed about crime that they have no clue about how and why crime is high in one neighborhood but low in another. Hopefully
Thank you Mr Brown! I agree 100%.
I bet you wouldn’t walk down
95th & Cottage Grove after Dark ?
The Death Penalty should be automatic for those that kill a policeman ! Old Sparky is too good for those who kill others. I and many others feel that the National Guard should be patrolling the x-ways and high crime areas RIGHT NOW ! This no bail law is a big joke ! I can hear all the gang bangers laughing !
All who work in Chicago but live in the suburbs , I bet you can’t wait for Johnson’s soon to be be enacted CITY INCOME TAX!! No he won’t raise your property tax Crook County already did that when they raised your taxable property market value ! And those who found that out 2 WEEKS AFTER THE ELECTION last fall. found their taxes were raised significantly higher ! Maybe we should all stop paying our water bills !
He campaigned on putting a head tax on Suburbanites who work in the city. Companies will leave the city before they’ll pay a head tax. Hence, they will take the jobs with them.
Kudo’s for speaking the truth !! Now, I worry about where I live, in the suburbs. I moved here from the Burbs of Detroit. What was I thinking ??!! In 2016, it was a novel idea, following my son, after his Dad’s death. Now…wow what a change a few years can make !!
It’s true. The unions were out in force, harvesting ballots and dragging young, infrequent voters to the polls (or taking their ballot to a drop box). Vallas had no ground game. None. That’s gotta change
You are mistaken. The machine was behind Vallas completely. Campaign ads from Jesse White, Dick Durbin, and several other ‘insider’ democratic machine members. While Johnson was supported by Davis, Periwinkle, and a number of other progressives. This is a start of a new serge in progressive leadership. I am looking forward to seeing great leadership and positive restructuring for Chicago. You continue to mention ‘defunding the police’ rethtoric. THAT was the worst bumper-sticker ever. What is happening is to shift burdens off of the policeman that never should have been given to them, and bring in mental health professionals to do their best. Allowing the brave policemen and women to serve and protect. What we don’t need is these type of toxic opinions before the beginning. Be supportive, not judgmental.
Totally agree with Franklin! Couldn’t have said it better.
Let’s wait and see what happens when these mental health professionals and social workers respond to domestic calls. Domestic calls are the most dangerous calls for police officers. Maybe Johnson will change his mind about the police when these people end up shot or dead.
The police know that they are not supported in Chicago. Johnson’s win will only make their situation worse.
I agree with you, Franklin! THANK YOU!
Big money was behind Vallas and he outspent Johnson 2 to 1. The teacher’s union endorsed Johnson over Vallas as they knew what Vallas did to the schools and didn’t want him in charge. Having met Vallas, I am not impressed and hate that he doesn’t really live in Chicago. Johnson doesn’t want to get rid of police officers, he wants to bring in more professionals who can deal with the mentally ill so the police have more availability to deal with other issues. Our daughter’s family is in Albany Park and we are there weekly to see them or a show, etc. I feel ill when neighbors say we’re brave to go into town. We love Chicago just as we loved Detroit and the surroundings for our first 50+ years. So much negativity and it helps no one!
I live in the suburbs and crime , gun violence in school was never a big issue. NOW ITS A BIG ISSUE! Defund police is stupid. Who you gonna call when someone is reading into your house, etc. Makes no sense.
Nothing will change! Everything in this city, county and state will continue to decline! Oh, except taxes, which will soon be skyrocketing!
Less than 1/3 of registered voters cast a vote- machine? You are only next when you don’t vote.
New era of a political machine? That machine has been running Chicago corruptly for decades. It’s nothing new.
Oh please stop it with your excuse making for the reason vallas lost. The machine was behind vallas, but Johnson got the youth excited and they came out to vote since they are the ones who will inherit this city. It’s amazing how the people who are the least likely to be affected by crime are the ones yelling from the rooftops about it. Sorry that the old Republican trope “soft on crime” didn’t work this time. Just face it progressive messages win elections when the election is not rigged by voter suppression.
EXACTLY! Vallas spent more than twice the money of the Johnson campaign. Besides, Vallas not a Chicagoan.
Exactly. The days of the machine are coming to an end. FWIW people live in Chicago because they want to. Billionaires run to Florida because there is no state income tax. But it is hot as hell there and getting hotter. Chicago has nice clean water from the lake. Everyone wants it but it’s ours.
What needs to be done is that we all need to love one another to stop this hate that is going around
Career criminals (recidavists) who are convicted, jailed, taken off the street & given mental help, drug/alcohol rehabilitation & an opportunity for education and vocational training are proven not to continue causing crime while incarcerated – duh. (A dose of religion would help too) The question is for how long shall they be incarcerated, not whether their bail is reasonable. Like any other advancement opportunity in life. . . Do the work while in jail, prove your worth through effort, win your release back into society.
B Johnson isn’t going to do nothing about crime when Kids 13 and up are car jacking for a free ride. They are Juveniles and will be tried as such. You think Johnson is going to be able to get the guns out of their hands?
There is no way that’s going to happen. So now everyone in Chicago will have to protect themselves with a concealed carry permit. Then all heck will break loose. I’m not against people that want to go hunting for sport, but now we’re doing it just to protect ourselves because Lightfoot has took the police department out of the equation and Kim Fox let’s them out Or doesn’t put them in jail!!! Yes I firmly believe that the National Guard needs to take this city under control and get rid of the thugs and drugs. To be honest it all starts with the parents but yet the gangs kill the parents and the juvenile have no upbringing. Nobody wants to go into the city because fear of not coming out alive!!! Simple as that!!!
Good luck Chicago your going to need it!!!