Daley Has yet to Declare Candidacy in 2011 Chicago Mayoral Election

CHICAGO - On the last Tuesday in February every four years, the year preceding a presidential election, America's third largest city votes for a mayor. Several aldermen have expressed interest in making their bid for the top municipal post. It will be a high mountain to climb. The man to beat has been in office since 1989.

The Daley Dynasty

Richard M. Daley came into office like the new sheriff in town. He took the city from a deficit to a surplus status. He swept through Chitown like Rudy Giuliani took New York, beautifying streets, removing abandoned cars, cleaning graffiti, and planting trees. Like his dad, Richard J. Daley, the longest serving mayor ever with a whopping 21 years as the metropolitan's leader, he ran this city with a tight program and plenty of business acumen.

While some call it a dynasty, others call it a dictatorship. After all, the elder statesman was known as "the last of the big bosses," ruling the city with an iron hand that extended well beyond Chicago into the state. Although the Democrat has been credited for developing downtown, highway construction and restructuring the police department, he certainly had his share of scandals.

And, now we're talking about "junior," Richard M., who happens to be the second longest-serving mayor in Chitown history, possibly running for office again. Wrap your brain around that. Some kind of political power, eh? Like father, like son.

A dwindling dynasty? Indeed not. The Daley Dynasty drives on...

Talking Like A Candidate

Mayor Daley may not have been more transparent than in his annual State of the City address Wednesday, Aug. 4. Daley's talk addressed crime, corruption, job shortages, and budget shortfalls. With no announcement of a campaign bid, no campaign committee to speak of, no slogan, or fund raising dinners planned, the incumbent declared he would not raise taxes, work to dissolve our $654.7 million budget deficit, and make police violence his top priority. I don't know about you, but that sounds like a campaign speech to me. Daley is still on fire.

While the seasoned politician had everyone's attention, he went on to point out a few things soon-to-be voters should keep in mind: let it be said that Daley is a mayor that leads by example, taking a $20,000 pay cut. And, do not forget there are fewer homicides today than a decade ago.

With room for improvement, Daley wants to promote entrepreneurship in technology, biosciences, and more, in addition to helping small businesses thrive with loans, and work on the lack of cooperation of citizens with the police.

Over and Over Again

As a former resident of New York City, I can appreciate Daley's dig-in, take control style. It is pretty rewarding when the leader that comes in is a wheeling-dealing businessman. I look at my grocery receipt in shock; the taxes for this and that. I look around the city and I can see where my money goes. Beautiful parks, clean streets, the Mag Mile, and lots of free stuff...concerts, festivals, and tons of cultural events, all free! It's the bomb!

I'm not a big fan of candidates who can run over and over again. The dictatorship thing is something that concerns me. Too much power can corrupt. Or, it can make you complacent. I think they should put a cap on it and limit the number of terms.

But if the leader is doing a decent job, and the city is benefiting, how could I be opposed to another Daley administration? Hey, I lived through three terms of Mayor Ed Koch in the Big Apple. No mayor is without an albatross or spot that taints their record. Daley said he is willing to admit when he is wrong.

Whatever the formula is for this town, I want to keep it. The beauty is astounding. The city is fresh. The skyline is awesome. And, the people are friendly. But, there is more work to do. I don't think the Daley Dynasty is done. Not yet... Four more years of Daley may not be bad at all.

Sources

suntimes.com, cityofchicago.org, biography.com, answers.com