The city’s most vulnerable residents need someone in government to protect them from fire dangers. Mayor Lori Lightfoot could make critical changes that would save lives.
David Greising
David Greising is the president and chief executive of the Better Government Association, joining the BGA in 2018. For nearly a century, the BGA has fought for honest and effective government through investigative journalism and policy advocacy.
Posted inOpinion
Greising: Extortion: There Oughta Be a Law! (But There’s Not in Illinois.)
The story of why extortion remains legal in Illinois, after all these years, gives some insight into the way the legislative sausage is made in our state — or not made, as the case may be.
Posted inNews, Opinion
Greising: Scrutiny of Navy Pier’s Operations Is Long Overdue
Taxpayers own Navy Pier, made a big investment in getting Navy Pier Inc. started—and have a compelling interest in knowing how it’s being run.
Posted inOpinion
Greising: Come Clean, Mayor Lightfoot: Do You Support an Elected School Board or Not?
As a candidate, Lori Lightfoot said she supported an elected school board. As mayor of Chicago, she’s indicating she’s changed her mind. Which is it, asks President David Greising.
Posted inOpinion
Greising | The Next Big Test for Speaker Welch: A Fair Map
Welch this week took a step toward accountability by identifying one key parameter he will use to assess the maps as they’re drawn. “The end goal has to be to arrive at fair maps that have equitable representation for underserved and overlooked communities across the entire state”.
Posted inNews, Opinion
Greising: A Note for the Mayor: As We Judge History, History Will Judge Us
Reformer—or open-government reprobate? If Lightfoot doesn’t begin delivering on her transparency promises soon, the answer will be obvious when the history of her administration is cast.
Posted inOpinion
Greising: An Illinois House speaker talking about voter trust? More of that, please.
New Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch still is in the early days of his first big turn on the public stage. He told the Economic Club of Chicago last week that Gov. J.B. Pritzker should try a do-over on the graduated income tax — and then, in a forum the very next day, said he was just “spitballing” those remarks.
Posted inOpinion
Greising: Pritzker’s Budget Is a Big ‘Never Mind’ After Years of Bold Talk
Last November, after Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s “fair tax” proposal failed, the first-term governor warned of trouble ahead. Never mind all that. Gov. Pritzker’s $41.6 billion budget, delivered Wednesday, did not contain the deep cuts to education, social services and public safety he had foretold.
Posted inOpinion
Greising: We’re About To See if Pritzker, Harmon and Welch Are Serious About Fair Maps
The Census Bureau’s delay leaves less time for political games and posturing. It demands that House Speaker, Senate President and Governor exhibit leadership, urgently, and do the right thing.
Posted inOpinion
Greising | Mayor Lori Lightfoot at the Midpoint: Can She Still Live Up to Her Campaign Promises?
The calendar quickly is approaching the second anniversary of the February 2019 municipal election that set Lori Lightfoot’s trajectory toward the mayor’s office. What a difference a couple of years — and a COVID-19 crisis — makes.
