Mayor Johnson, councilmembers clash over upcoming advisory referendums
Mayor Johnson joined ABC7 to discuss the opening for CPD superintendent and teen takeovers.
CHICAGO (WLS) -- A Chicago City Council meeting grew tense Wednesday as aldermen sparred over which non-binding referendum questions should appear on upcoming ballots.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
The debate focused on advisory measures slated for the November and February ballots.
Council members approved the final November referendum without discussion.
"Should the city pursue lawfully all means to recover any financial compensation as a result of Operation Midway Blitz," 6th Ward Alderman Will Hall said.
The proposed "millionaire's tax" will not be on the February ballot because it was filed too late for consideration
The council did, however, advance a referendum supporting a monument recognizing Chicago's contributions to music and the arts.
Tensions rose when aldermen considered a measure that would ask voters whether the council should establish its own legal representation.
"The body cannot establish its own independent legal counsel without the authority being granted by the State of Illinois, that is the law. It's not about whether or not the question should be asked," Mayor Brandon Johnson said.
40th Ward Ald. Andre Vasquez responded: "So, for clarity, that'd be the same criteria for a millionaire's tax."
Johnson pushed back, saying, "according to the millionaire's tax, Alderman Vasquez, the question was related. Just saying, according to your clarification, the State of Illinois, which was first of all, you all are not going to shout me down."
42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly said: "I don't know why you're taking this personally, but this is something that we think the voters should weigh in on."
The exchanges underscored what some aldermen described as growing friction between Johnson and a coalition of council members.
"Everyone of these votes, the mayor went down today, because the general public has lost faith in him. City council does not trust him. This situation is only going to get worse these next several months," 19th Ward Alderman Matt O'Shea said.
When asked if perhaps he has lost control of the majority of the council, Johnson said:
"The idea of controlling human beings, you know, I don't, I don't find that to be democratic. Right. What I can say, it does speak to the fact that the city council is out of touch with the people of Chicago," he said. "However, I have not lost control. I haven't, and I won't. And I have not lost the plot."
Johnson said he will continue working with state lawmakers to advance the millionaire's tax.
He made it clear he will not soften his criticism of council members who oppose his agenda.
The next city council meeting is scheduled for Sept. 23.
Mayor Johnson joined ABC7 Wednesday morning, where he spoke about the opening for the superintendent of the Chicago Police Department.
"We are going to go through a thorough vetting process over the next few months," Johnson said. "Right now, although I have absolute confidence in Fred Waller as the current superintendent as we work to build safe and affordable communities. "
Mayor Johnson declined to answer if he was running for re-election.
