Many in the audience, including progressive aldermen who are expected to be the mayor’s largest critics this term, were pleased with the route the mayor chose for his speech.
A new member to the council and progressive caucus, David Moore (17), said it’s not that the mayor doesn’t care about pensions, but that Emanuel realizes “our youth is our most important asset.”
“If our youth are in trouble, then whether the pension crisis is solved or what, then Chicago is in trouble,” Moore said.
Northside Alderman Joe Moore (49) said while it’s true “everyone” was expecting to hear more about the city’s finances, “one issue is not necessarily to the exclusion of others.”
Plus, he added: “Trust me, we’re gonna spend all summer hearing a lot about finances and a lot about how serious our fiscal crisis is.”
The new city council will meet for the first time on Wednesday.
Lauren Chooljian is a WBEZ city politics reporter.
Article Appeared @http://www.wbez.org/news/emanuel-calls-chicagoans-prevent-lost-generation-112047