Aldermen Sign Pledge to Oppose Privatization

By aaroncynic in News on Nov 18, 2010 2:00PM

Yesterday Illinois PIRG held a press conference outside of city council chambers to thank the 19 aldermen who signed a pledge against future privatization of city resources. The pledge PIRG asked aldermen to sign calls for increased transparency before any new privatization deal is made by the city. The pledge asks signers to “not vote for any future ordinances that lease public assets or services unless at a minimum there is proper public discourse and protections to ensure taxpayers receive fair value.” Celeste Meiffren, Illinois PIRG field director said “With the election fast approaching, the mayoral candidates should pledge to protect taxpayers from backroom deals by embracing these principles.”

Almost in synch, various mayoral candidates weighed in on the sale of Midway Airport. Rahm Emanuel vowed he would kill the deal even if Mayor Daley tried to revive it. Sen. James Meeks voiced his opposition as well. Spokesman Bryan Zises told the Sun Times “we have to stop mortgaging our future.” Given our city's budget woes, it's difficult not to look for other assets to sell off. If the parking meter debacle has taught us anything however, it's that to actually stay solvent, the city needs to start looking in the long term.