Emanuel Challengers Take Aim At Upcoming Presidential Visit During Debate
CHICAGO (CBS) --Mayor Rahm Emanuel faced his four challengers in their third and final televised debate on CBS 2 at the DuSable Museum of African-American History.
WBBM's Craig Dellimore reports this debate focused largely on issues affecting the African American community and Mayor Emanuel more than once referred to President Barack Obama's expected visit to designate part of the far South Side's Pullman community as a national park.
"It is not an accident that he is also going to be coming to Pullman where I laid out an economic strategy for our neighborhoods," Emanuel said.
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When Cook County Commissioner Jesus "Chuy" Garcia had a chance to ask the mayor a question, he pointed that Emanuel tried to make much of President Obama's visit.
"Mr. Emanuel, why can't you list a longer set of neighborhoods where you have invested in economic development in Chicago besides two on the South Side, one where you have been asking the president to make a national park? Why not more? There's 77 communities in Chicago." Garcia said.
Emanuel responded, "I'm proud of the fact that the investments we've made in Pullman, through Neighborhood Now, by investing in our roads, our schools, our public transportation, our parks, our libraries, have created the foundation for Walmart to open up a 400 employee store."
The mayor also talked about the new factory in Pullman and did not mention another neighborhood.
Challenger William "Dock" Walls was asked if the president's visit will be a game-changer.
"I don't believe it will be, surprise, surprise. People were expecting Barack Obama to come in and endorse Rahm Emanuel because Rahm Emanuel is in trouble," Walls said.
Willie Wilson suggested it is a mistake.
"I think by his support, he is telling us the African-American community it was ok to close down 50 schools," he said.
All of the candidates were asked if they would support legalizing recreational marijuana. Mayor Rahm Emanuel said no, while Alderman Robert Fioretti and Walls said yes.
Chuy Garcia said, "Not yet, but we should keep an eye to it."
Wilson, "Yes, they are going to smoke it anyway."
Friction emerged between Garcia and Fioretti that revealed an alleged deal between the two, with Garcia saying during the debate, "I will abide by the agreement that we had that we would not criticize each other's campaign."
After the debate, Fioletti was asked about that alleged agreement.
"First time I heard about that," Fioretti said.
Garcia said, "Our campaigns had conversations….and that we should focus our attention at the present administration."
CBS 2's Dorothy Tucker reports the crowd of more than 300 was well-read and well-informed. For most of the audience members, the debate confirmed choices they already had.
The Chicago mayoral election is February 24, with early voting already underway.
CBS 2 partnered with the Chicago Urban League, the Business Leadership Council and WVON for Tuesday night's debate.
