Question: Why do you think the city of Chicago should elect another “Mayor Daley”? A lot of people think that your brother mismanaged the finances of the city of Chicago and created a lot of problems that the city is now facing. Do you think the people of Chicago view the Daley name as part of Chicago’s past rather than Chicago’s future? Speech: The city of Chicago is the greatest city in the world. The people of Chicago have been so kind to my family. Like my father and my brother, I want to give something back to the city. I have worked in both business as well as government so I am the candidate who is in the best position to improve Chicago’s economic growth. I am the most prepared to be Mayor and to help Chicago’s problems because I have worked at the White House with Barack Obama and I had top positions with major corporations like JPMorgan Chase. I also worked in Washington D.C. as special counsel and as U.S. Commerce Secretary under former President Bill Clinton. According to Crain’s Chicago Business, “97 percent of white college graduates—83 percent of them “strongly"—said they "would recommend living in my neighborhood in Chicago to a friend or family member." That’s near-universal approval, and an indication that parts of the city now have huge appeal, at least to certain demographic groups. But among African-American college graduates, the “strongly agree” figure drops to 48 percent, and among all Hispanics (not just college grads) to 41 percent.” “Chicago is considered the most gang-infested city in the United States, with a population of over 100,000 active members from nearly 60 factions. Gang warfare and retaliation is common in Chicago. Gangs were responsible for 61% of the homicides in Chicago.” I love this city, where I’ve spent nearly my entire life. I think I have a lot to give the city through my business and political experience, and I hope the people of Chicago would view the Daley family as dedicated to making the city better. I was taught from birth how important it is to dedicate my life to improving Chicago, and I learned from the examples set by my father and brother. Chicago has issues like every city does, but working together and drawing on my experience in politics and business, we can make this city better. The Daleys know how to make the city services run like clockwork. For example, when my brother was Mayor, he made sure that city services were provided throughout snowstorms, that beautiful flowers were planted all over the city and that crime was controlled. But we need to make sure that all of the people in all areas of Chicago are taken care of. As I said to the Chicago Tribune, “I can’t win the election by being the business candidate. Business and the private sector are vital to the future of this city, and they have to be supported … But I know where the votes are, and I know where people live … Most of the people in Chicago live in neighborhoods that are outside of the core of the city. That’s where I hope to go and get my votes.”
I will strive to make Chicago streets safe, strong, and superior.