Emanuel Proposes 'Right To Thrive' Zones, Wilson Endorses Garcia
UPDATE: 5:50 p.m.
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Challenger Commissioner Chuy Garcia is reacting cooly to Mayor Emanuel's proposals for so-called "Right to Thrive" zones in some poorer neighborhoods, reports WBBM Political Editor Craig Dellimore.
Mayor Emanuel wants to temporarily eliminate property, income and sales taxes on businesses that open in certain depressed neighborhoods and bring in jobs. It is sort of a ramped up version of enterprise zones.
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Rival Chuy Garcia isn't criticizing it, nor is he praising it.
"I haven't had a chance to review all of the plan that he put forward, but I can tell you that my plan includes engaging groups in Chicago neighborhoods," Garcia said. "That is part of my background. I understand the importance of neighborhoods having a say so."
Garcia is expected to outline his economic plans by week's end. He was downtown to accept the endorsements from four Cook County Board colleagues.
Garcia also picked up the endorsement of a former competitor, businessman Willie Wilson.
Wilson told CBS 2's Jay Levine he texted the Mayor at 11:23 Wednesday morning morning, telling him he'd made the decision after meeting with both candidates and consulting with many of the 50,000 voters who'd back him in the primary. They, he said, had urged him to endorse Garcia. Wilson is expected to formally make an announcement on Thursday.
Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle declined to endorse either candidate.
