Four years ago this month, Lori Lightfoot announced her intention to run for mayor of Chicago. The former federal prosecutor and Chicago Police Board president ran on promises such as pursuing ethics reform, reshaping the City Council, rooting out corruption and convening a panel of “journalists, attorneys, public watchdogs and other stakeholders … to make recommendations for increasing transparency.”

These vows helped Lightfoot trounce powerful Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, a longtime Democratic operative. With her winning every ward and with 70% of the vote overall, the message was clear: People wanted reform.

Impressive, right?

That’s still to be determined. Although Lightfoot has made some key efforts and has had some success in her first go-round at ethics reform, she has not fulfilled all her promises. Now, as she looks at running for reelection in 2023, Lightfoot’s track record on reform is a mixed bag.

Read more at the chicagotribune.com.

Bryan is a Public Policy & Government Affairs Professional with many years experience advocating for change by way of regulation and the legislative process. Born and raised on Long Island, Bryan spent many years in the private sector. He taught a wide range of political science courses as an Adjunct Professor in New York City, and has volunteered and advocated for nonprofits to both local and federal officials. In 2020, Bryan helped secure funding for the largest census appropriation in Illinois history; he has also authored and passed legislation signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker to help relieve nonprofits with a large tax burden effecting thousands of employees. During the pandemic, Bryan vehemently advocated to the federal government to ensure funding opportunities for the states larger nonprofits who help the most vulnerable in society. Currently, Bryan is an Adjunct Professor at Aurora University, lecturing courses in the Dunham School of Business and Public Policy. He is also the Director of Policy for the Better Government Association, the states oldest watchdog and civic advocate. Bryan holds both a bachelor’s and master’s in political science, from Wesley College and Long Island University, respectively.