”To the victors go the spoils.” Mayor Washington used this quote often as the balance of power shifted in City Hall and it reflected the true meaning behind his victories-well-documented in The Tribune`s series on City Hall corruption, and in numerous editorials. The quote is also an apt description of the events that have occurred since his death.
With the mayor`s passing, the benefactors of the past swing in power have suddenly become the ”reformers” as they see their new-found power dissipating. These men and women no longer just represent the chance to give city contracts to their friends and relatives-they are now on some ”mission from God.”
Any earlier suggestion that the Washington aldermen were on a high ground of reform would have brought belly-laughs from all but the very partisan. Now, these ultimate dealmakers parade around grieving Washington supporters in their ”No Deal” buttons-opportunism at its extreme.
I hope the public and the press will soon realize that whatever coalition, label or button Chicago politicians wear, they`re all after the same thing: those lucrative spoils.
