Gov. Bruce Rauner’s plans to fix Illinois’ financial woes will have a big impact on local government and those running for mayor of Chicago are concerned that the state budget cuts will hurt city services.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel said there’s reason to worry about the budget plans, noting Chicago could see a $135 million cut impacting its budget for police and first responders.
“If you’re going to look for major reforms and finding savings, I would suggest you look at the tax code where there’s a bunch of corporate giveaways and corporate loopholes,” Emanuel, who is running for re-election in Tuesday's election, said.
Rival candidate Jesus “Chuy” Garcia tied Emanuel and Rauner together when asked about his opinion on the budget.
“It will hit Chicago neighborhoods particularly hard,” he said. “Mayor Emanuel has been asleep at the switch.”
Businessman Willie Wilson, who supported Rauner’s campaign, said he has questions about the budget.
“Don’t cut the people who are already struggling,” he said.
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With the Chicago election just six days away, Wilson released a new poll Wednesday showing the mayor’s race potentially headed for a run-off with Emanuel garnering 41 percent of the vote. Garcia had 16 percent, Wilson had 15 percent, Fioretti had 10 percnet and William “Dock” Walls had 1 percent. Seventeen percent were undecided.
Pollsters say the largest area of undecided voters is in the South Side, noting the timing of President Barack Obama’s trip to Chicago to name Pullman a national park.
“There’s no question in my mind as a pollster what geographical part of the city the president’s visit is aimed toward,” he said.
