WBEZ Hosts Alderman Moore for "Independent Caucus" Discussion

Dear Neighbor,

Last year's aldermanic election ushered in a number of new, progressive, independent-minded aldermen to Chicago's City Council.  This provided the impetus for me and two of my veteran colleagues, Ricardo Munoz (22nd Ward) and Toni Preckwinkle (4th Ward), to form an "Independent Caucus" on the City Council.

I recently appeared on radio station WBEZ with my freshman colleague, Scott Waguespack (32nd Ward), to talk about the Independent Caucus and its accomplishments this past year.  To hear the interview, click HERE.  

The Independent Caucus is bound by a belief that robust and informed debate is healthy for a democracy, and that the City Council in the past ceded far too much authority to the Mayor.  While I believe Mayor Daley has improved our city greatly, and there is much on which we agree, no one person has the corner on all wisdom.  A healthy, functioning democracy requires an informed and engaged legislative branch that acts as a check on the executive.

Last fall, the Independent Caucus challenged the Mayor on his proposed budget, and as a result 21 aldermen cast votes against the proposed property tax increase.  This represented the closest vote on any budgetary proposal in Mayor Daley's 18-year tenure.  The Independent Caucus also pressured the City to finally settle the Burge police torture lawsuit, and bring a measure of justice to the torture victims.

We are closely monitoring the performance of the Mayor's new police superintendent, and plan to ask some tough questions on the Mayor's proposals to extend the lifespan of the Central Loop TIF and move the Children's Museum to Grant Park. 

I will continue to keep you informed about the work of the Independent Caucus and the activities of the Chicago City Council through my regular City Council Reports.

Sincerely,

Joe Moore