Skip to content
  • Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Subscribe FREE to Ray Hanania’s Columns
  • Advertise
Suburban Chicagoland

Suburban Chicagoland

Original News, Features & Opinion

  • About
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Our Writers
      • Ray Hanania
      • Bill Lipinski
      • Aaron Hanania
      • Steve Metsch
      • Steve Neuhaus
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reach Out
    • Submit a Press Release
  • Sections
    • Events
    • Opinion
    • News
    • Features
    • Seniors
    • Comic Strip
  • Library
    • “MIdnight Flight” Online Book
      • Midnight Flight Book Overview
      • Midnight Flight Introduction
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 1
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 2
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 3
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 4
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 5
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 6
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 7
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 8
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 9
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 10
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 11
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 12
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 13
    • Villages, Cities & Towns
    • Federal Office Holders
    • County Officials
    • Legislators
  • Seniors
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Comment
  • Podcast
    • Ray Hanania on Politics
    • Two Guys on Politics
  • Hanania on Tiktok
  • EVENTS
  • Toggle search form
  • Raymond Lopez, 15th Ward Chicago Alderman, files for Congress in the March 19, 2023 Democratic Primary for the 4th District, Illinois
    Raymond Lopez, A Democrat Who Delivers, Files for Congress Chicago
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas
    Treasurer Maria Pappas unveils online tool detailing property tax spending as Dec. 1 tax due date looms Chicago
  • 2023 United States Mint Limited Edition Silver Proof Set®Available on November 28, 2023
    2023 United States Mint Limited Edition Silver Proof Set®Available on November 28 Baby Boomers
  • U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Citizens Against Government Waste Names Sen. Dick Durbin November 2023 Porker of the Month Economy
  • US Rep. Thomas Massie, Republican from Kentucky, sponsor of bill to eliminate double taxation on Social Security
    Vote against any member of Congress who doesn’t support this Social Security protection bill Baby Boomers
  • Andi Gladwin performs magic at The Rhapsody Theater through Nov. 19, 2023. Photo courtesy of The Rhapsody Theater
    Unveiling Wonder: Andi Gladwin’s “SHUFFLED” Delivers an Unforgettable Night of Magic at The Rhapsody Theater in Chicago Aaron Hanania
  • Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart talks with volunteers during a cleanup of the Deer Creek River in Ford Heights Village Friday Nov. 10, 2023. Photo courtesy of Sheriff Tom Dart
    Sheriff Dart and Friends of the Chicago River Join Forces to Cook County
  • Photo courtesy of the Lyons Democratic Organization
    Illinois Provides Important Resources for Service Members, Veterans, and their Families Illinois Legislature
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas
    Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and Black Men United cohost veterans event at Hines VA Hospital Cook County
  • the second annual Stagg High School Vocational Fair featured Professionals who spent the day on November 7, 2023 discussing their careers with interested students, as well as detailing their career paths and available training. Photo courtesy of Stagg High school and District 230
    Stagg High School hosts massive Vocational Fair Education
  • Flags in Public Plaza. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Illinois ranks in bottom five in study of Best and Worst states for veteran care Civil Rights
  • money $20 dollar bill, dollars, cash
    What can America do with $14.3 billion? Baby Boomers
  • Senator Mike Porfirio hosts Veterans Appreciation Luncheon at Morton College, Monday Nov. 13, 2023
    Senator Mike Porfirio hosts Veterans Appreciation Luncheon at Morton College, Monday Nov. 13, 2023 Cook County
  • Assault weapons, courtesy of WIkipedia
    Gun control debate and failure to impose severe punishments on criminals fueling American violence Blogger
  • Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital
    Nursing Moms Support Group to Celebrate Halloween with Baby Costume Contest at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital Health
Lori Lightfoot speaking at Police Accountability Task Force hearing in 2016. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Lightfoot targets gun violence in inauguration

Posted on May 20, 2019July 13, 2021 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Lightfoot targets gun violence in inauguration
SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  

Loading

Lightfoot targets gun violence in inauguration

Mayor Lori Lightfoot is sworn into office on May 20, 2019, as Chicago’s first African American woman and first “openly Gay” mayor. Much of Lightfoot’s inauguration speech reflected many of the same principles that were reiterated 40 years ago when on April 16, 1979, Jane Byrne was inaugurated as Chicago’s first woman mayor. Lightfoot is the 47th Mayor of Chicago, not 56th

By Ray Hanania

Newly installed Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot vowed to confront gun related violence to make the city’s citizens safer, while outlining an array of services from improving health, education and opennes in City Government to strengthening neighborhoods and businesses “large and small.”

Lightfoot, accompanied by her wife Amy Eshleman, her adopted daughter Vivian, and in the packed audience her mother and four siblings, becomes the 47th mayor of Chicago succeeding retiring mayor Rahm Emanuel. Both Emanuel and his predecessor Richard M. Daley were at Lightfoot’s inauguration at the Wintrust Arena.

(Chicago has elected 47 mayors, a total of 56 full uninterrupted terms of any length in office. That includes mayors who served, then left, and then returned. The news media is inaccurately saying Lori Lightfoot is the 56th Mayor but she is not. She is the 47th Mayor. You can say she is the 46th Mayor serving the 56th term, if they want, with a “term” being defined by the uninterrupted time in office 1 year, 2 years, 4 years, 8 years or 22 years in Daley case.)

The ceremony reflected a similar tone of excitement that was evident 40 years ago when Jane M. Byrne became Chicago’s first woman mayor. Byrne’s daughter Kathy Byrne was among the dignatories on stage that included all of the city’s aldermen including 12 newly elected members, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Senator’s Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin, and newly elected City Treasurer and Clerk Melissa Conyears-Ervin and Anna Valencia.

Lori Lightfoot speaking at Police Accountability Task Force hearing in 2016. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
Lori Lightfoot speaking at Police Accountability Task Force hearing in 2016. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Lightfoot promised to strengthen the neighborhoods, which was the focus on Jane Byrne’s inauguration speech that was given on April 16, 1979 before an audience of 750 onlookers who packed the City Hall chambers, that I witnessed as a Chicago City Hall reporter.

“Our neighborhoods have been neglected for too long. They cannot be anymore. Still, we should never settle for dividing up a shrinking pie or pitting one part of this city against another,” Lightfoot said.

Lightfoot critized officials who she said “cut shady backroom deals” for personal profit while leaving CHicago taxpayers footing the bills with higher taxation.

“When public officials cut shady backroom deals, they get rich and the rest of us get the bill. When some people get their property taxes cut in exchange for campaign cash, they get the money and sure enough we get the bill,” she said.

Lightfoot also repeated her campaign promise to sign an executive order reducing powers of Chicago aldermen, eliminating “aldermanic privilege.” That privilege often allowed aldermen the veto power over proposals involving zoning, permit approvals, and licenses inside their individual wards.

“This does not mean our aldermen won’t have power in their communities. It does not mean our aldermen won’t be able to make sure the streetlights are working or the parking signs are in the right place or any of the thousands of good things they do for people every day. It simply means ending their unilateral, unchecked control over on every single thing that goes on their wards. Alderman will have a voice, not a veto.”

Taking those powers away from aldermen will be a major change, but she will need the support of at least 26 members of Chicago’s new City Council.

Click here to view Lori Lightfoot’s complete inauguration speech, provided courtesy of WGN TV.

Lightfoot covered nearly every major concern during her 38 minute speech that was frequently interrupted by appaluse. She broke down one time in near tears as she thannked her mother and her family who sat in the front row at the ceremony.

As each official was introduced during the beginning of the ceremony as they entered the stage behind the podium where Lightfoot was later sworn in, there was much applause although there was silence when Alderman Edward M. Burke and his wife Illinois Supreme Court Justice Anne Burke were introduced. Burke has been accused by the FBI of muscling a business in his 14th Ward, a charge that dominated Burke’s re-election bid. Despite the accusation, and false reports that he had been “indicted,” Burke easily won re-election with th ebacking of his ward’s residents.

Lightfoot also acknowledged and thanked Emanuel for his service, but made no mention of Mayor Daley who sat directly behind her during her speech. Ironically, Daley also ignored one of his predecessors, Jane M. Byrne at his inauguration in 1989 and spent much of his 22 years in office in a petty campaign to minimize any recognition of her achievements.

But Lightfoot eschewed that kind of animosity in her inauguration speech and spoke respectfully about everyone, including the aldermen.

“I know we’re just a little bit closer to that dream as I stand here today, inaugurated as Chicago’s first Black woman and first openly gay mayor. I know we’re a little bit closer as we celebrate that, for the first time in the history of Chicago, women of color now hold all three of our city-wide elected offices. I congratulate you, City Clerk Anna Valencia and City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin, on your inaugurations, your victories, and on all you’ve overcome to reach this historic moment. I also congratulate the aldermen of the Chicago City Council – in particular, the 12 aldermen who are taking their seats for the first time,” she said.

“I thank Mayor Emanuel for his dedication and service to our city, which was exemplified by the attention and time that he and his staff devoted to making this transition as smooth as possible. I also commend Amy Rule for her contributions to the city. Join me in wishing them both well as they head off into the next chapter of their lives. I also acknowledge and thank the other leaders here today: Governor JB Pritzker, Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, Senator Dick Durbin, Senator Tammy Duckworth, our Illinois congressional delegation, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, representatives from our state legislature, and every other elected official here today. Thank you for your continued service.

“Most importantly, thank you to the people of Chicago, who had the courage to put their faith in a newcomer and the optimism to join this moment.”

Lightfoot also said sahe will reimagine the symbolism of the four stars on Chicago’s Blue Striped and White municipal flag.

“There are four stars on Chicago’s flag, each standing for a point in our history …the construction of Fort Dearborn …the great expositions of 1893 and 1933 …and the reconstruction of our city following the Great Chicago Fire. Each star stands for building and rebuilding,” she said.

“Today, we proudly reinterpret these four stars new meaning for a new century, with new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead…guiding our city …and guiding our new administration …as we move forward and rebuild again.”

The stars will symbolize improving the neighborhoods and the fight against gun violence; improving education; bringing financial stability to Chicago; and, restoring th eintegrity of city government.

“I know, I know, putting Chicago government and integrity in the same sentence is, well, a little strange. But that’s going to change. It’s got to change. For years, they’ve said Chicago ain’t ready for reform. Well, get ready, because reform is here,” she said.

“I campaigned on change, you voted for change, and I plan to deliver change to our government. That means restoring trust in our city’s government and finally bringing some real integrity to the way this city works. It means making sure we have a government that actually works for people, not a powerful few. It’s about the real harm done to our families and businesses when those with power and money cash in at our expense. When public officials cut shady backroom deals, they get rich …and the rest of us get the bill. When some people get their property taxes cut in exchange for campaign cash, they get the money. And, sure enough, we get the bill.”

(Ray Hanania is an award winning former Chicago City Hall reporter and political columnist. This column was originally published in the Southwest News Newspaper Group in the Des Plaines Valley News, Southwest News-Herald, The Regional News, The Reporter Newspapers. For more information on Ray Hanania visit www.Hanania.com or email him at rghanania@gmail.com.)

 

 

Subscribe to Ray Hanania’s Columns

* indicates required field. 

 

Select Email Format


  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania is an award-winning columnist, author & former Chicago City Hall reporter (1977-1992). A veteran who served during the Vietnam War and the recipient of four SPJ Peter Lisagor Awards for column writing, Hanania writes weekly opinion columns on mainstream American & Chicagoland topics for the Southwest News-Herald, Des Plaines Valley News, the Regional News, The Reporter Newspapers, and Suburban Chicagoland.  

Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.

Email Ray Hanania at rghanania@gmail.com.

Follow RayHanania on Gettr.com, the uncensored Twitter Ray Hanania on Gettr, the new Twitter
Ray Hanania
Latest posts by Ray Hanania (see all)
  • Raymond Lopez, A Democrat Who Delivers, Files for Congress - November 29, 2023
  • Treasurer Maria Pappas unveils online tool detailing property tax spending as Dec. 1 tax due date looms - November 28, 2023
  • 2023 United States Mint Limited Edition Silver Proof Set®Available on November 28 - November 21, 2023
  • Tweet

SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  
 
 
 
           
Blogger, Chicago, Commentary, Government, Opinion, rayhanania Tags:2019, 56th Mayor of Chicago, education, gay rights, gun related crimes, Inauguration, Jane M. Byrne, Lori Lightfoot, May 20, neighborhoods, sanctuary city

Post navigation

Previous Post: Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele declares Racism as a “Public Health Crisis”
Next Post: Orland Park’s Texas de Brazil knocks it out of the park

Related Posts

  • Orland Park Trustee Daniel "Dan" Calandriello
    Opinion: Orland Mayor bullies Trustee who asked village to help struggling local businesses Blogger
  • CDC Image of girl sneezing. Coronavirus
    The politics of diseases, Coronavirus versus the Swine Flu Blogger
  • Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Madigan resigns ending half century of leadership Chicago
  • Electrical power lines. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Service Restored to ComEd Customers Impacted by Polar Vortex Chicago
  • Elizabeth "Liz" Doody Gorman
    Gorman announces candidacy to return to Cook County Board Cook County
  • Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar
    Cook County Announces Pilot Program to Provide Free Rabies Vaccines and Microchips to Pets of County Veterans and Service Members Cook County

More Related Articles

Ray Hanania Facebook and worthless knock-offs like Classmates.com Baby Boomers
Illinois Tollway. Courtesy of the Illinois Tollway Authority Nothing Fair about the so-called “Fair Tax” Blogger
Lyons’ early Christmas gift Government
Illinois Joining Forces to Host Veteran’s Resource Fair as Part of Chicago Warrior Week Government
Congresswoman Robin Kelly official photo Law introduced to protect seniors from scams Baby Boomers
Judge Anna Demacopoulos Four Cook County Judges you should watch out for Blogger

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Login with your Social ID
  • OPINION COLUMNS
  • US Rep. Thomas Massie, Republican from Kentucky, sponsor of bill to eliminate double taxation on Social Security
    Vote against any member of Congress who doesn’t support this Social Security protection bill
    November 17, 2023
  • Andi Gladwin performs magic at The Rhapsody Theater through Nov. 19, 2023. Photo courtesy of The Rhapsody Theater
    Unveiling Wonder: Andi Gladwin’s “SHUFFLED” Delivers an Unforgettable Night of Magic at The Rhapsody Theater in Chicago
    November 13, 2023
  • money $20 dollar bill, dollars, cash
    What can America do with $14.3 billion?
    November 6, 2023
  • Assault weapons, courtesy of WIkipedia
    Gun control debate and failure to impose severe punishments on criminals fueling American violence
    November 4, 2023
  • Two Guys on Politics Podcast with former Congressman Bill Lipinski and former Chicago City Hall reporter Ray Hanania
    The Maine massacre & gun control, & the election of Rep. Johnson as House Speaker
    October 29, 2023
  • Handicap parking space. Handicapped
    Issues and controversies that I just can’t seem to ignore
    October 28, 2023

Events Calendar

  • Lighting of the Green: Frankfort, Illinois' most anticipated holiday tradition returns
    Lighting of the Green: Frankfort, Illinois' most anticipated holiday tradition returns
    30 Nov 23
    Frankfort

Subscribe

  • Ray-Hanania-Newsletter-300-wide-Banner.jpg
  • NEWS
  • Raymond Lopez, 15th Ward Chicago Alderman, files for Congress in the March 19, 2023 Democratic Primary for the 4th District, Illinois
    Raymond Lopez, A Democrat Who Delivers, Files for Congress
    November 29, 2023
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas
    Treasurer Maria Pappas unveils online tool detailing property tax spending as Dec. 1 tax due date looms
    November 28, 2023
  • 2023 United States Mint Limited Edition Silver Proof Set®Available on November 28, 2023
    2023 United States Mint Limited Edition Silver Proof Set®Available on November 28
    November 21, 2023
  • U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Citizens Against Government Waste Names Sen. Dick Durbin November 2023 Porker of the Month
    November 18, 2023
  • Andi Gladwin performs magic at The Rhapsody Theater through Nov. 19, 2023. Photo courtesy of The Rhapsody Theater
    Unveiling Wonder: Andi Gladwin’s “SHUFFLED” Delivers an Unforgettable Night of Magic at The Rhapsody Theater in Chicago
    November 13, 2023
  • Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart talks with volunteers during a cleanup of the Deer Creek River in Ford Heights Village Friday Nov. 10, 2023. Photo courtesy of Sheriff Tom Dart
    Sheriff Dart and Friends of the Chicago River Join Forces to
    November 10, 2023
  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png
Ziyad Brothers serving the Arab American community since 1966
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas Ad Oct -Nov 2023

Trending

  • Vehicle crashes into Orland Park Post Office on 114th Place. Car crashes into Orland P... Car crashes into Orland Park post Office At approximately 1:49 PM on Thursd... posted on September 22, 2023
  • Veteran Diana Howard addresses a disrespectful Village of Orland Park Village Board meeting on August 21, 2023. She was viciously attacked in Mayor Pekau's eNewsletter Veteran Diana Howard cour... Veteran Diana Howard courageously confronts abusive Orland Park Mayor By Ra... posted on September 6, 2023
  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at Celebrity Fight Night XXIII in Phoenix, Arizona.. Photo courtesy of WIkipedia YouGov Poll shows Robert... YouGov Poll shows Robert F. Kennedy Jr Presidential candidacy surging Poll:... posted on September 27, 2023
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon Hastings urges residents... Hastings urges residents to apply for energy bill assistance program State... posted on September 18, 2023
  • money $20 dollar bill, dollars, cash Fritz Kaegi’s artif... Fritz Kaegi's artificial inflation of property assessments to protect busin... posted on September 27, 2023

What We’re Reading

Arab News Newspaper Leading English Language Publication in the GulfArab News Newspaper

Ray Hanania on Politics
SW News Newspaper Group

  • SPORTS
  • Photo courtesy of PRIMETIME Sports and SeatGeek Stadium
    SeatGeek features competition between Club Deportivo Guadalajara and Club Leon on Saturday Sept. 9
    September 8, 2023
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon
    Senator Michael Hasting ensures degraded former Tinley Park Mental Health Center to be revitalized into a sports park in new law
    May 24, 2023
  • Michael Schofield III Sports Complex, Orland Park. Scoreboard
    Kendall and Michael Schofield Family Foundation Sponsor Park Redevelopment
    May 23, 2023
  • Chicago Hounds rugby at Seat Geek Stadium July 8, 2023
    Chicago Hounds rugby announce plans for Dawg Town block party
    May 11, 2023
  • NEWS RELEASES
  • 2023 United States Mint Limited Edition Silver Proof Set®Available on November 28, 2023
    2023 United States Mint Limited Edition Silver Proof Set®Available on November 28
    November 21, 2023
  • U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Citizens Against Government Waste Names Sen. Dick Durbin November 2023 Porker of the Month
    November 18, 2023
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas
    Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and Black Men United cohost veterans event at Hines VA Hospital
    November 7, 2023
  • money $20 dollar bill, dollars, cash
    Pappas: School districts hiked property taxes on Cook County homes, businesses   
    October 30, 2023
  • Fire extinguished at Al-Hayba Hookah Lounge (formerly Ale House), 135th Street on Saturday Oct. 21, 2023
    No one injured in structure fire at 135th an Harlem, Al-Hayba Hookah Lounge
    October 21, 2023
John Kass Columns

Order the book PoweR PR; Ethnic Activists Guide to Strategic Communications

  • BUSINESS NEWS
  • Jeffery M. Leving fights for your rights
    Systems can create parental alienation, and add barriers to healthy families and father inclusion.
    October 19, 2023
  • Eva Rinaldi, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
    Rupert Murdoch and the International News Empire
    October 4, 2023
  • money $20 dollar bill, dollars, cash
    Fritz Kaegi’s artificial inflation of property assessments to protect businesses
    September 27, 2023
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon
    Hastings pleased to see more than $700,000 in grants awarded to local hotels
    September 13, 2023
  • WORD PRESS REVIEWS
  • MyCloud by Western Digital, a hard drive that doesn't last. Don't purchase Western Digital.
    Western Digital tubes its loyal customers for profit
    October 17, 2021
  • Macho Themes website front page. Don't buy their themes. They don't work
    Difficulties with Macho Themes for WordPress
    August 21, 2021
  • TECHNOLOGY REVIEWS
  • Orland Fire Protection District acquires 6 Stryker Xpedition Powered Stair Chairs to more easily and safely rescue victims in emergencies
    Orland Fire District utilizes new technology to increase emergency victim safety
    August 20, 2023
  • Suspect Alisa Velcu charged in Verion Store theft July 26, 2023 in Bloomington, Illinois. Mugshot supplied by the DuPage County State's Attorney
    Bond Set for Two Women Charged with Robbing Bloomingdale Verizon Wireless Store
    July 26, 2023
  • The Village of Orland Hills, Mayor Kyle Hastings State Senator Michael Hastings and Orland Township Highway Commissioner Antonio Rubino are partnering to host a Free "Shred and E-Recycling" day for families to be held Saturday August 26, 2023.
    Orland Hills to host “Shred and E-Recycling Day” Saturday August 26, 2023
    July 18, 2023

YOUTUBE VIDEOS

Click this link to watch or use the widget below:

Click here to view the video on YouTube or use the widget below.
Email Ray Hanania for more information about performing at your event at rghanania@gmail.com.

The Political Pundit

Political Pundit Aug. 24, 2021. Taliban thanks president for boxes of MAGA hats

Follow Ray Hanania at
Gab.com, MeWe.com
IDobbinate.com,
Twitter, Facebook

Creative Commons License
All works on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

Categories

Copyright © 2022 Suburban Chicagoland & Urban Strategies Group

Powered by PressBook Premium theme