Emanuel Backs Off Criticism Of Blizzard Response
CHICAGO (WBBM) -- Mayoral candidate Rahm Emanuel is toning down his earlier criticism of the way the Daley administration handled the closing of Lake Shore Drive during Tuesday night's snowstorm.
In a statement issued Wednesday, Emanuel said the city needs to get to the bottom of what happened on Lake Shore Drive—where hundreds of motorists were stranded for hours.
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"It's clear that there were mistakes made that we can never let happen again," he said.
But, at an appearance at the Cornerstone Community Shelter on Thursday, Emanuel seemed to go out of his way to avoid calling anything a mistake.
Rather, he emphasized that lessons should be learned from what happened.
Emanuel said the city should do a comprehensive review of Tuesday night's actions, which he allowed did not work flawlessly.
"There will be an after action report to say, 'What did we do right, what did we do wrong?' Emanuel said. "What are the lessons?"
Mayoral candidate Miguel del Valle said there should have been a better plan, especially because weather forecasters gave ample warning.
The city clerk also said it's "highly unusual'' that Mayor Richard Daley essentially disappeared from public view for days surrounding the storm. Del Valle says a mayor should be front and center.
