Politicians often talk over each other, but this week it seemed to be in overdrive. CPS CEO Forrest Claypool and Gov. Bruce Rauner couldn’t agree on basic facts regarding Chicago Public Schools. Cook County commissioners spent over an hour arguing over two very similar resolutions asking for federal help from President Trump, then another hour talking about the finer points of FOIA. Plus, Mayor Rahm Emanuel pledged to get that longshot express train from O’Hare to the Loop–which had some budget watchers doing a double take.  

• Ald. Proco Joe Moreno (1) shared pictures (including 360 degree ones) from "another packed house for last night's Wicker Park community meeting." Commanders Saldana and Avila, Ald. Brian Hopkins, and Ald. Scott Waguespack (32) attended also. 


• Ald. Brian Hopkins (2) is "very excited about this plan for a new 70-acre park," a proposal for additional lakefront acreage that he's shared before. "This is one of the best things we can do to improve the city. I think Daniel Burnham would be proud."


• Ald. Sophia King (4) live-tweeted a candidate forum.


• Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza (10) strongly advocated for fellow CTU member Sarah Chambers, a special education teacher and visible CTU Executive Board and CORE member whose hours at Saucedo Elementary were apparently cut. "Sarah has always gone above and beyond to put her students first. She is their voice when they can't speak she is their champion when they can't fight. This is a perfect example of a principal putting their personal feeling before the students that they are suppose to educate and nurture." 


• Ald. Patrick D. Thompson (11) was on Radio Free Bridgeport talking "new businesses, the need for more police officers, 31st street bus, waterway access, new revenue, and his passion for hockey."


• Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) has pics from the Construction Summit this week. Deputy Mayor Andrea Zopp, City Clerk Anna Valencia, Ald. Jason Ervin (28), Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36), and former Ald. Deborah Graham (29) were there. 


• Ald. Walter Burnett Jr. (27) has video from the Green Line at Damen announcement yesterday. 


• Ald. Jason Ervin (28) spent two evenings in with his daughter, Jeneva, calling it his "new normal..." 


• Ald. Scott Waguespack (32) shared a "different view" on the proposed O'Hare Express.


• Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) caught up with "el 'mero mero,' Don @jesuschuygar"


• Ald. Emma Mitts' (37) pastors' alliance meeting is Saturday. 


• Ald. Pat O'Connor (40) warned: the canine flu is spreading again. 


• Ald. Michele Smith (43) says DPD's last public meeting for the North Branch Industrial Corridor is Tuesday, Feb. 21. "You are strongly encouraged to attend this meeting and express your support for public recreational space."


• Ald. Tom Tunney (44) met with parents from Blaine, Nettlehorst, Hamilton, Agassiz, Hawthorne and Inter-American School students last week "to offer Chicago Cubs World Series Championship Banners from City Hall for future fundraising endeavors."


• City Treasurer Kurt Summers shared Coretta Scott King's letter about AG Jeff Sessions. "During Black History Month, let this serve as a strong reminder that we must not be silenced and that we must continue to fight for each and every one of us."


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  Comm. Richard Boykin (D-1) is holding a town hall meeting on his Community Revitalization Act Feb 18. 


• Comm. Bridget Gainer (D-10) seems to be rooting for South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg's run for DNC: "Watching my good friend @PeteforDNC on @Morning_Joe w great message- 'show up' for people so U never lose touch"

Ward Reports

• Ald. Proco Joe Moreno (1) met with parents and officials from Clemente, Wells, and LaSalle II schools to discuss bringing a language academy high school to the ward.


• Ald. Brian Hopkins (2) and Sheriff Tom Dart invited the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms "to use 13th District as joint task force locale." He, Ald. Michele Smith (43), Ald. Ameya Pawar (47), and Ald. Deb Silverstein (50) attended the interfaith meet-up at the recently vandalized Loop synagogue yesterday. 


• Ald. Pat Dowell (3) and local stakeholders hit "a major milestone" in efforts to build a bigger, better field house at Williams Park in Dearborn Homes.


• Ald. George Cardenas (12) says his community is "outraged by Trump's statements blaming documented for Chgo violence. Shame on him! Scapegoats!"


• Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa's (35) statement on President Trump: "“This is another one of President Trump’s ‘alternative facts,’ a continuation of Trump’s attacks on immigrants, Muslims, women, Chicago’s youth, and our working families. It is wrong that the President of the United States would seek to scare and divide the American people." 


• Ald. John Arena (45) says he's "saddened to see such hateful imagery and language occur in one of Jefferson Park's former beloved Catholic schools and soon-to-be-home of a pre-k center." The school was vandalized and graffitied with hate speech. "Now more than ever, we must open our hearts and minds to one another and be accepting of our differences."


• Ald. Harry Osterman (48) is proud to see Metropolis Coffee "listed as the first Edgewater food establishment to join the Sanctuary Restaurants movement!"


• City Clerk Anna Valencia and Ald. Danny Solis (25) co-issued a statement: "The President’s recent statements attempting to link immigration and crime are not only shameful but also incredibly dangerous. The current administration should stop putting out 'alternative facts' that criminalize populations on baseless claims and should instead focus on leading the country."


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  Comm. Bridget Gainer (D-10) has declared Wu Wednesday the best thing she's ever seen: Wu Tang+Kung Fu+ramen. 


• Comm. John Daley (D-11) thanked the Civic Federation for their support of the Board's efforts to streamline the meeting schedule.


• Comm. John Fritchey (D-12) has sworn off Trump posts for 48 hours, opting for a pic of his pup in the meantime. 


• Comm. Sean Morrison (R-17) shared a statement he co-issued with Comm. Richard Boykin (D-1) on yesterday's federal help debate: "Sadly, citizens continue to be murdered in record numbers while Cook County elected officials chose partisan politics over needed resources."

Ward Reports

• Ald. Sophia King (4) was endorsed by the National Organization for Women. 


• Ald. Roderick Sawyer's (6) next quarterly community meeting is February 22nd. 


• Ald. David Moore's (17) latest Facebook post: "BLACK PEOPLE DON'T READ!!! Now that I have your attention, I need you to watch this video, and join Dr. Chandra Gill Every Sunday for some knowledge."


• Ald. Walter Burnett Jr. (27) has info on the new Fulton Market streetscape. 


• Ald. Scott Waguespack (32) recommended reading @natalieymoore's book, "The South Side".


• Ald. Deb Mell (33) had a #terribletuesday: "DeVos confirmed, Springfield broken, CPS school budgets whacked again... #terribletuesday #understatement#sickening"


• Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) says if the state "overturns the law disallowing rent control," he plans to "introduce an ordinance to stabilize rents for working people."


• Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) is hosting a series of meetings across the ward "to discuss strategies to combat the up tick in burglaries and auto thefts."


• Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) held ward night at the French Market.


• Ald. John Arena (45) shared his WGN interview on the latest goings-on in Jefferson Park. 


• Ald. James Cappleman (46) thanked his former aldermanic opponent, "@Amy_E_Crawford for her willingness to offer legal services for immigrants when needed."


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  Comm. Bridget Gainer (D-10) spoke at the @Ravenswood_Chi Women's Leaders in Biz lunch yesterday.


• Comm. John Fritchey (D-12) has a close-up of the World Series trophy. Comm. Gregg Goslin (R-14) posed alongside it. 

Ward Reports

• Ald. Proco Joe Moreno (1) shared pics of the standing room only crowd at last night's West Town Community Meeting.


• Ald. Pat Dowell's (3) next town hall meeting will include discussion of COPA and CPD's use of force. 


• Ald. Sophia King (4) won another big endorsement: Sen. Dick Durbin.


• Ald. Patrick D. Thompson (11) and several other elected officials donned red scarves and posed for a Chinese New Year picture. 


• Ald. George Cardenas (12) joined EPA workers at a rally against nomination of Scott Pruitt.


• Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) noted "Oak Park just voted unanimously to adopt model sanctuary ordinance with no carve outs, time for Chicago to catch up."


• Ald. Michele Smith (43) will join the Jewish Federation of Greater Chicago Wednesday at noon "to rally against hate at the Loop Synagogue".


• Ald. Joe Moore's (49) "27th Annual FREE VALENTINE’S DAY FILM EXTRAVAGANZA" at the New 400 Theaters will feature kid friendly movies this weekend. 


• City Treasurer Kurt Summers wrote on Facebook: "I'm a public school kid, and what I learned in school is that experience is important. That's why I urge the Senate to vote NO on Betsy DeVos. This is too important an issue."


• City Clerk Anna Valencia had a "Great conversation on immigration and access to education this morning with the Latino Caucus."


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  Comm. Pete Silvestri (R-9) presented a "congratulatory resolution to Mayor Arlene Juracek commemorating the centennial anniversary of the Village of Mount Prospect."


• Comm. John Daley (D-11) was "Disappointed to read about the Chicago Loop Synagogue being vandalized over the weekend. There is no place in our society for such hateful behavior."

Ward Reports

• Ald. Brian Hopkins (2) tweeted: "and I thought @ladygaga was fearless when I saw her do the polar plunge. jumping off a stadium roof tops that. great halftime show."
  
  Ald. Pat Dowell (3) hosted her "8th annual Super Bowl party for my constituents at Studios 1801. I love this event - food from Chicago's Chicken and Waffles, good conversation, laughs, and of course football." State Rep. Julianna Stratton attended. 


• Ald. Sophia King (4) says she's proud to "support the landmark designation of the former Johnson Publishing Company building... Once home to EBONY and JET Magazines (among other publications), it remains the only office structure in downtown Chicago built by an African American." She also has some tweets from a candidate forum over the weekend. 


• Ald. Patrick D. Thompson (11) congratulated the "108 officers who graduated from the police-training academy and the 200 police veterans who graduated to a higher rank. We wish these officers the best of luck, pray for their safety and will continue to support them."


• Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) joined Ald. Danny Solis (25) and Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35), organizations like Erie House, SWOP, The Resurrection Project, Instituto Progreso, Indo-American Center, Immigrant Workers Project, Centro Romero, NPNA, Korean American Resource Center, and Heartland Alliance to raise awareness for the city's legal defense fund. 


• Ald. David Moore (17) wrote on Facebook in response to Sen. Dick Durbin's opposition to Betsy DeVos' confirmation as Secretary of Education: "Senator Durbin, I agree with your assessment, but many of the charter and corporate policies pushed by Arne Duncan and the current Mayor's Administration are very similar to Devoe's [sic] policies. The black community need your voice on these issues when our schools are being privatized for corporate profit. Right now I'm not seeing any difference between Devoe [sic] and Duncan."


• Ald. Danny Solis (25) periscoped the Chinese New Year parade. 


• Ald. Scott Waguespack (32), Ald. Proco Joe Moreno (1), Ald. Brian Hopkins (2), 14th District Cmdr. Fabian Saldana and other local reps will attend a special Bucktown/Wicker Park public safety meeting Wednesday. 


• Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) shared CTU's video from Friday's protest outside the mayor's office: "Stop balancing the budget on the backs of our children, it's time for Bruce Rauner and Rahm Emanuel to ask the rich and big corporations to pay their fair share." He also attended a Democratic Socialists of America mixer Friday. 


• Ald. Pat O'Connor (40) has the latest coyote news out of Winnemac Park. 


• Ald. Anthony Napolitano (41) shared a survey on the new proposed high school in Dunning. 


• Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) said of the Loop Synagogue vandalism: "Sickening & wrong. It's sad that these hate groups have been emboldened by our new President."


• Ald. Michele Smith (43) said of the vandalism: "We must stand together to resist anti-semitism. #neveragain"


• Ald. John Arena (45) says he's "been surprised by the vitriol that has been directed" at a new mixed-income zoning proposal in the ward that includes housing for veterans. "This meeting is for the exchange of information between the developer and you, my constituent. As such, there will be a strict enforcement of rules of decorum and civility." Those rules: only 45th ward residents can attend, no banners allowed, and anyone being vocally disruptive will be asked to leave.  


• Ald. James Cappleman's (46) husband Richard, dressed a lot like Ald. Harry Osterman (48). He's got a side by side pic. 


• Ald. Ameya Pawar (47) campaigned in Carbondale yesterday. 


• Ald. Deb Silverstein (50) says CPD has announced new cops in two districts in the ward: "The 24th District, which covers most of the 50th Ward, is getting five new officers, and the 17th District, which covers Peterson Park, is getting four new officers."


• City Treasurer Kurt Summers attended the Equality Illinois gala this weekend. "The message was clear - while there is much to celebrate, there is still more work to do to advance LGBTQ rights!" He also participated in Rainbow PUSH Coalition's Saturday Morning Forum, joining Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr., Ariel Investments' John Rogers, Jr., State Treasurer Mike Frerichs, & SEIU's Renaye Manley "to discuss the importance of minority & women-owned firms being included in the money management of pension funds, investments, & endowments."


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  Comm. Richard Boykin (D-1) says the Board "will debate a Resolution I introduced with several of my colleagues calling on President Trump and the federal government to bring resources to Chicago's endangered communities" on Wednesday. "Economic investment and additional law enforcement can serve as an immediate solution to the problem, but long-term initiatives are equally important."


• Comm. John Fritchey (D-12) says as the result of his anti-Trump posts, "I've now blocked more people than Hakeem Olajuwon."


• Comm. Sean Morrison (R-17) tweeted a video of praise for President Trump's work ethic: "Go figure government struggling with a private sector mentality that subscribes to work until the task at hand is completed, before u stop." He says he feels sorry for Nancy Pelosi, a "sad bigot".

Ward Reports

• Ald. Proco Joe Moreno (1) is hosting a public safety meeting Monday with State Rep. Cynthia Soto and other electeds. 


• Ald. Leslie Hairston (5) met with Becoming A Man (BAM) participants at Hyde Park Academy. 


• Ald. Roderick Sawyer (6) noted "More than a dozen cities have higher rates of shootings and homicides than Chicago."


• Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) and Comm. Stanley Moore (D-4) were honorary co-hosts for their 2nd Annual Transportation Symposium highlighting the railroad industry yesterday.


• Ald. Anthony Napolitano (41) "had a blast skating in the CFD vs. CPD charity hockey game for our American troops. All proceeds went to Solute Inc."


• Ald. John Arena (45), Mayor Emanuel, and State Rep. Rob Martwick announced a $36 million plan to address overcrowding at Jefferson Park's Prussing School


• Ald. Ameya Pawar (47) campaigned in Springfield yesterday. 


• Ald. Harry Osterman (48) shared a Trib video from yesterday morning's gathering at Swift Elementary in support of immigrants and refugees. 

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• Comm. Richard Boykin (D-1) was looking to set the record straight on his ask for federal help from President Trump: "...the inertia and inaction of leaders in the city, state, and county to deal with this issue requires White House leadership and resources... We are witnessing a modern day Genocide."


• Comm. Bridget Gainer (D-10) congratulated her Director of External Affairs "@MartyMal1 on his appointment to VP Comms of @YoungIrishFC – well deserved!"

Ward Reports

• Ald. Proco Joe Moreno (1) will be at a community meeting next Wednesday at Pritzker School to "discuss the recent violence in our neighborhood, what we have been doing to address it, and what remains to be done."


• Ald. Pat Dowell (3) issued a statement on the state of affairs in her latest newsletter: "Just this past month, we have seen those old fights reignite. I was proud to speak at the Women's March on Chicago and I'm committed to upholding the rights of ALL of Chicago's citizens."


• Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) tweeted of the Ohio pastor who offered to sit President Trump down with Chicago gangs: "Many Chi gangs are block by block, diff leaders over hundreds of streets. Anyone believe some pastor in OH talked to them?"


• Ald. Matt O'Shea (19) tweeted he was "Proud to be attending the annual @IlliniRestAssoc meeting. The IRA supports restaurant operators & advocates for the hospitality workforce."


• Ald. Walter Burnett (27) shared an invite to Clean & Sober Steppers Set to benefit the Salvation Army. 


• Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) is hosting a know your rights training session for immigrants this weekend. 


• Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) says State Rep. Chris Welch is a "great pick" for Chairman of the Higher Education Committee. 


• Ald. Anthony Napolitano (41) has info on the new high school planned for the Northwest Side. "We will be assisting Taft High School and the Local School Council (LSC) in conducting numerous meetings with CPS to gain your feedback. I would also encourage you to contact your grade school LSC, attend their meetings and share your thoughts."


• Ald. Michele Smith (43) has a new Facebook page. 


• Ald. Ameya Pawar (47) will participate in a "Not My President's Day" on January 20. 


• Ald. Harry Osterman (48), Swift Elementary Parents and public school advocate Troy LaRaviere will rally in front of Swift "to send a message of hope, change, and support for its immigrant and refugee families." 


• City Clerk Anna Valencia handed out #ChiBags in Englewood with Streets and San, CPD, and Chicago Budget & Management employees.


• City Treasurer Kurt Summers' office is giving away a $2500 black history month scholarship as part of an essay contest. 


• The Progressive Caucus' next "Tour de Fork" fundraiser is next month. Host sponsorship will cost $1000.

Ward Reports

• Ald. Proco Joe Moreno (1) supports the mayor's efforts to host welcoming events "& look fwd to setting up like dinners w/ @eriehouse & other 1st Ward community orgs".


• Ald. George Cardenas (12) shared a pic from last night's immigration workshop. 


• Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) thanked those who showed up to his 2017 First Quarter Ward meeting: 9th District Commander Stephen Chung, CPD, OEMC & BACP... Special thanks to Chief Judge Timothy Evans for giving a very spirited presentation on the courts & the active role they play in shaping justice in our communities."


• Ald. Deb Mell (33) introduced the ward's new alderpup, Penny. 


• Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35) posted a flashback pic from a year ago in Iowa, where he campaigned for Bernie Sanders. 


• Ald. Pat O'Connor (40) penned a missive about presidential fiats. "How can these good goals become so disdainful? I have come to the conclusion that the answer is twofold. First, a good goal for a bad reason can be harmful and insidious and second, the stated goals can be pretexts to achieve goals that, if articulated, would be universally rejected as inappropriate for a civilized society."


• Ald. James Cappleman (46) tweeted about income inequality: "In the 1970's, the difference between highest paid worker and lowest paid worker was around 40%. Today, it's around 400%. Not sustainable."


• Ald. Ameya Pawar (47) says it's time for the city to sue the Trump administration over the sanctuary city directive. 


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  Comm. Richard Boykin (D-1) is hosting a Neighborhood Revitalization Act Town Hall meeting February 4th. There will be free hot breakfast served.


• Comm. Sean Morrison (R-17) congratulated Andrew Holmes, who was "named a 2016 recipient of #FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award today in Chicago." He is the president of Operation Restoring Innocence and a 2014 FBI Chicago Citizens Academy graduate. He shared this tweet from Bill Mitchell, which he said was "Poignant".

Tense debate over how commissioners should ask the federal government for help addressing violence dominated the day at the Cook County Board Wednesday. Changes to increase FOIA accountability and a new role for the Chicago-Cook Workforce Partnership to help tax break recipients fill vacancies were also approved. And as Board President Toni Preckwinkle again admonished President Donald Trump for his rhetoric, she and other Democratic commissioners introduced new measures aimed at protecting the county's immigrants.

A joint Council committee unanimously approved a package of reforms aimed at consolidating various business licenses and fees for mobile food vendors and other smaller business enterprises, as well as strengthening the Building Commissioner’s authority to crack down on contractors and tradesmen who work without permits.

Anticipate a packed day at the Cook County Board, as commissioners consider an overhaul to the county’s property tax incentives system, a new role for the Chicago-Cook Workforce Partnership, rules to make county employees and elected officials more FOIA friendly, and routine settlements and tax breaks. A debate on federal funding–and how to ask President Donald Trump for assistance in fighting violence–is also expected.

Plans to strengthen city Building Commissioner Judy Frydland’s control over the permitting process–by giving her the authority to suspend permits or bar contractors and tradesmen from applying for future permits–will be the subject of a joint hearing of the Council’s Zoning and License Committees. Changes to various licensing fees ranging from licenses for Uber and Lyft drivers to slashing the mobile food vendor license for senior citizens and veterans are on tap as well.  

Commissioners will have their chance to pose with the Chicago Cubs’ World Series trophy this morning during consent calendar proceedings before hearing an update on vaccinations and tracking of animals that carry disease. Much of the day’s major proceedings–including possible real estate acquisitions and updates on court cases–will occur in executive session.

An intergovernmental agreement between the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) and the Regional Transportation Authority is up for consideration today by the Council’s Human Relations Committee.