By James R. Scott, The Chicago Times
June 7, 2022
CHICAGO – Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Tuesday she will seek re-election.
Lightfoot will face a crowded field of other candidates looking to occupy the Fifth Floor of City Hall. Alderman Roderick Sawyer, the son of former Mayor Eugene Sawyer, is the latest candidate to throw his hat in the ring along with the likes of the respected businessman Willie Wilson, former CEO of Chicago Public Schools Paul Vallas, State Rep. Kam Buckner (D), and Alderman Raymond Lopez.
Lightfoot has faced unprecedented criticism over the high crime that has infested Chicago Streets. Lightfoot recently called out the Cook County State’s Attorney for being soft on crime.
“Of course there are tough challenges ahead. We have a lot of work to do, because change just doesn’t happen overnight. But together, we will make our city safer, fairer, and more equitable for all. Now, let’s get back to work.” Lightfoot said in a statement.
Candidate State Rep. Buckner said in a statement “Mayor Lightfoot has proven to be utterly ill-equipped to lead Chicago. Carjackings and violence are at record highs, economic disinvestment is drying up our neighborhoods, our schools are under-resourced, our police department is over-extended and under-staffed. Instead of a public safety plan, she’s raised bridges, put up barricades and demanded curfews. Yesterday, three years too late, she announced a single piecemeal public safety measure, which is once again not part of any strategic vision for making Chicagoans safer.”
The Chicago Times 