Ald. Howard Brookins Jr. (21st Ward), Ald. John Arena (45th Ward), and Ald. Joseph A. Moore (49th Ward) visit Chicago Tonight to discuss the city of Chicago's latest news. The aldermen will speak about a variety of topics including Mayor Rahm Emanuel's proposed curfew change, the upcoming mayoral race and potential candidates, and Inspector General Joseph Ferguson taking over as the City Council's watchdog.
Curfew Changes
The city could see even tighter curfew laws for minors. In 2011, the City Council toughened the preexisting law, requiring children under 12 to be in by 8:30 pm on weekdays and 9:00 pm on weekends. The law required minors between the ages of 12-16 to be off of the streets by 10:00 pm on weekdays and 11:00 pm on the weekends. Last week, Mayor Rahm Emanuel introduced an ordinance that would require city teens under 18 abide by the curfew. Emanuel said his decision to have 17-year-olds abide by the curfew was to keep as many young people as possible safe.
New Watchdog
Chicago Tonight first reported last month on an effort by the mayor's office and top aldermen to abolish the Office of Legislative Inspector General and move the job of policing City Council to the more powerful Executive Inspector General, Joe Ferguson. Last week, that effort moved one step closer to reality with 36 aldermen signing an ordinance that would move the duty of investigating City Council to Ferguson's office. If passed, the ordinance would shift the duty away from the embattled legislative investigator, Faisal Khan.
Mayoral Race
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said she will not run for mayor of Chicago in 2015. Despite urging from supporters, Preckwinkle asserts what she has said all along; "I am focusing on keeping the job I have." Without Preckwinkle, who some view as the strongest contender to take on Emanuel, that clears the way for others to challenge the mayor. Thus far, Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis is the most likely challenger and has announced she was seriously considering a run. Ald. Bob Fioretti (2nd Ward) declared his candidacy last week, promising his administration would focus on improving education, the economy and job creation.
