By Mark Weyermuller, Opinion Contributor
There was lots of excitement in the air as all nine candidates running for mayor of Chicago showed up for a debate last Thursday evening. It was a one hour extravaganza hosted by the Lincoln Forum and Fox 32 Television at the Union League Club. Mike Flannery and Scott Schneider moderated the debate.
All nine candidates attended: Kam Buckner, Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, Ja’Mal Green, Brandon Johnson, Sophia King, Roderick Sawyer, Paul Vallas, Willie Wilson, and current Mayor Lori Lightfoot.
Schools, crime, migrants, commerce, & allocation of police resources were all discussed. Right after the debate, issues came up concerning Paul Vallas’ residency with claims he lives in the suburbs. This appears to be resolved.
It’s not the first time that residency has come up. Former Mayor Rahm Emanuel lived in Washington D.C. just prior to running for mayor. He rented out his home in Chicago but kept his wife’s wedding dress in the attic therefore claiming residency.
President Barack Obama appears to live in Washington, DC and Martha’s Vineyard, yet still owns his home in Hyde Park on the south side of Chicago. He and his wife actually are registered voters here in Chicago. In 2017, Obama was called here for jury duty.
There is some speculation that Obama or his wife might run for U.S. Senate in Illinois if longtime US Sen. Richard Durbin decided to retire in 2026.
The winner on election day must receive over 50 percent of the vote, otherwise there will be a runoff of the top two on Tuesday, April 4, 2023.
The election is February 28, 2023.
