After spending 26 years in the military and serving under countless leaders across multiple platforms, I have come to the realization that Mayor Brandon Johnson is struggling with being a good leader. Does he wish he was? Probably. But talking loudly and throwing out numbers that give the impression of action without many of these actions taking place are not what a respectable leader does. Obfuscating when asked questions, getting perturbed when your messaging is being questioned by reporters whose job is to get to the facts and having council members continue to push back and question your agenda absolutely do not show a leader in charge of their environment.
And while nice suits can give the appearance of looking like a man in charge, having substance inside the cotton and wool are what voters demand and what can sustain a person who knows that leadership is the long game. Leaders make it a practice to think before they act because actions are what matter most. Many would not have put out an important executive order over the media-anemic weekend while simultaneously stating that a needed law enforcement agency was onboard with it, only to have the same agency declare the statement as false. Furthermore, a more seasoned leader would have apologized for making such a preemptive mistake and chalked it up to failed communication, not double down on it until it becomes a he-said-she-said argument that further undermines their office’s credibility.
True leadership can sometimes be lonely and hard. Many are asked to have a vision when one does not readily exist and to do more with less, and they are given the hard task of carrying multiple personalities forward toward a common goal. They learn to listen more and talk less, spot great talent for future tasks, take and use important advice, and most of all, stand by their decisions.
If Johnson expects to get a second bite at the apple of leading this city, he might wish to study harder at developing these traits.
— Ephraim Lee, Chicago
Criticizing Biss’ ambition
The Tribune Editorial Board says that Daniel Biss “all too frequently (is) seeking to move up the political ladder,” as if ambition is a flaw and as if none of the other candidates share Biss’ ambition (“Laura Fine for Democratic nomination in 9th Congressional District,” Feb. 3). If elected to the 9th District, Biss would have served six years as mayor of Evanston. If he were to serve eight years or 10 years, would he no longer be overly ambitious?
When Barack Obama declared a bid for president, he had served just two years in the U.S. Senate and fewer than three when elected president. Did the Tribune Editorial Board criticize Obama as wrongly trying to move up the political ladder? The board actually endorsed Obama.
There is nothing wrong with Biss seeking higher office as he is and working to better his constituents, including by confronting Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as he did to protect vulnerable residents of Evanston. Good for Biss!
— Daniel A Engel, Evanston
Too focused on Preckwinkle
If the Tribune Editorial Board is going to endorse Brendan Reilly (“Brendan Reilly for Cook County Board president,” Feb. 1), it should really be talking about him and not Toni Preckwinkle. The board gave us her best and worst but didn’t say much about Reilly. I have no idea who he is.
— Alexandria Moran, Hoffman Estates
A new party for Americans
I am writing in response to Jim Nowlan’s op-ed in the Feb. 2 Tribune (“A party for unrepresented suburbia: the Democratic-Republicans”). For years, I have thought that we need more than two political parties because if we did, our politicians would be forced to cooperate with each other and make compromises instead of holding fast to their own party’s doctrine. Sadly, loyalty to a party, instead of our country, seems to be the new norm.
The question is how to go about establishing another party. I am neither politically astute nor well connected enough to know how to go about this, but perhaps we could borrow a page from Barack Obama’s playbook and start at the grassroots level — from the bottom up.
And it wouldn’t hurt to find a billionaire who is both politically astute and well connected enough to help get the ball rolling with funding.
— Jo Ann Potenziani, Joliet
Concerned about gas bills
Regarding Peoples Gas seeking a $202 million rate hike: I am concerned about the potential of continued increases in gas prices each year if this current rate hike is approved. The current proposal calls for increased spending to replace pipes, but Peoples Gas will need $600 million to complete this project, $202 million of which it does not have.
If the proposal passes with support from the Illinois Commerce Commission, I worry that we may see huge increases each year.
I am concerned about how Chicago residents will afford these increases, combined with the increased cost of living. Residents should never have to choose between heating their homes in the winter and paying for other essential services.
— Alethea Oakley, Chicago
Goodbye to Damen Silos
Let’s not talk about Donald Trump for a moment. Instead, let us enjoy a newly beautiful location on Chicago’s South Side, where the Damen Silos have been demolished.
Just not seeing these huge concrete towers is a big improvement. And looking at this area that was covered in ugly graffiti is such a welcome change. The area north of the Stevenson Expressway and east of Damen Avenue has a fresh, new look for everyone. It provides an amazing view of downtown from a few miles away.
An old eyesore is gone, and no one will miss it. The wrecking contractor did a superb job of clearing the area. Perhaps the public will get some access to the Chicago River here just as there is on the North Side.
This is a Chicago story with a happy ending for everyone.
— Steven J. Bahnsen, Chicago
E-bikes vs. motorized bikes
Government officials seem to be confused between e-bikes and electric motorized bicycles. An e-bike is pedaled like any other bicycle and generally goes no faster and is no more dangerous than many people riding other bikes. An e-bike simply provides an assist with each stroke of the pedals and is a godsend to many older people who still want to ride a bicycle.
Perhaps they need a different name for electric motorized bicycles.
— David Rosenak, Highland Park
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