Mayor Scolds Aldermen For 'Selfish' Delay Amid Pandemic

CHICAGO — Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Wednesday lashed out at staunch aldermanic critics who used a parliamentary move to delay consideration of an ordinance that would temporarily expand her spending authority during the new coronavirus pandemic.

Lightfoot said the handful of aldermen were "grandstanders" who "stuck out like a sore thumb, choosing to serve themselves instead of the residents who elected them. Choosing to put their own selfish interests ahead of their city and communities. It is selfish. And it is shameful. And it is in utter contradiction of the spirit of public service.

"And I am personally embarrassed that one of those individuals was my own alderman in the 35th Ward," the mayor said.

After five ward bosses led by Ald. Ray Lopez (15th) and Carlos Ramirez-Gomez, who represents the mayor's home ward, blocked the so-called emergency powers ordinance until the next City Council meeting, a mayoral ally moved to cut short Wednesday's meeting.

Ramirez-Rosa called the proposed ordinance, which would give the Lightfoot administration authority to spend money and enter into contracts without aldermanic approval until June, an unnecessary "power grab." He argued the City Council's ability to meet virtually within 48 hours notice during the stay-home order provides plenty of time for aldermen to vote on emergency spending proposals.

Lightfoot disagreed, saying that during the pandemic her administration needs to act quickly to purchase things such as personal protective equipment, which is in short supply nationally.

"We don't have 48 hours when we're trying to get vital services that are necessary to support our health care workers, tests and other things that are critically important to fight this pandemic," Lightfoot said. "If we wait, we lose. we can't afford to lose. our residents lives are on the line. .. 48 hours when we see the level of competition for basic supplies is an eternity."

The mayor said the emergency powers ordinance gives her administration the ability to quickly enter into contracts for services and supplies during the coronavirus crisis for a limited time.

Specifically, the ordinance will sunset in June, if not before," she said.

Lopez, who voted "hell no," on a motion to adjourn Wednesday's meeting said the move to delay voting on the emergency powers ordinance was an attempt "to allow the people of Chicago the ability to further discuss the merits of Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s emergency powers ordinance."

"As COVID-19 has gripped our city, state and country, we have seen the failed leadership at the federal level that operates in an isolated, insulated silo in direct contempt and antagonization of the democratically elected representatives of the people. We do not need to emulate that failed style of governance here," Lopez said in a statement.

"The City Council must resist the urge to act on fear by giving one individual, Lori Lightfoot, total control over the city and its finances. We represent 77 communities across 50 wards. Now more than ever the legislative branch needs to ensure every voice is heard, helped and healed."

Mayor Lightfoot said she and her staff have had many conversations with alderman about the ordinance, which was modified based on some of their concerns before winning committee approval earlier this week.

"For some [aldermen] it doesn't matter what we explain. Their goal is obstruct, obstruct, obstruct," she said.

A special City Council meeting was set for Friday, when a vote on the emergency powers ordinance and other matters are set to be considered.

When asked if she is confident she has the votes to pass the ordinance, Lightfoot said