Who Should I Vote For in the Chicago Mayoral Election (I'm Undecided)

[alcibiades_mystery]

Alright, homies, make your cases!

I live in the city of Chicago. I own a home in the city of Chicago. I have two kids in Chicago Public Schools (both elementary school age). I have zero plans on leaving our home for the foreseeable future. We are a dual-income household. Neither of us is a city or state or federal worker, but we support public sector unions and supported the CTU strike (one of our kids was in CPS at the time, now both are). We have lived in Chicago about eight years, so half under Daley Jr. and half under Rahm.

I am well and truly undecided. I seriously don't know who I will vote for when I step in the voting "booth" tomorrow afternoon. Lay it on me! Make a case.

[Smithryee]

1. Chuy.

I'm tellin' ya.. Chuy is backed by Bernie Sanders, and he'll be fine.

But we all know Rahmbo is going to win anyway...

[TeamPooka]

14. Chuy or stay home.

[HereSince1628]

2. Reach in your pocket...Got Change?

Money says go with Mayor 1%.

[marym625]

3. I suggest you go to the Illinois group

And peruse the posts. Quite a few there about the election.

Hello fellow Chicagoan!

[AngryAmish]

4. You got a kid in the magnet/gifted/classical school

Chuy wants to close these schools.

Vote accordingly.

[alcibiades_mystery]

12. Yeah, that's not true

[TeamPooka]

16. Not true. Rahm is the one closing those schools and programs already. nt

[yeoman6987]

5. How have you liked the last 4 years politically in Chicago?

If you are happy and satisfied vote the current Mayor back in. If you haven't been particularly impressed with politics in Chicago, vote for the challenger and hope for improvement in areas that need it. It is your vote and you need to vote for what is best for your family and Chicago. Nobody else really can make that call for you especially folks from outside Chicago who don't see day to day operations. Good luck on your decision!

[global1]

6. The Neighborhoods Have Been Neglected Long Enough......

I was born and raised in Chicago - SW Side. I live in a nearby suburb now - but if I were voting in the mayoral election tomorrow - I'd vote for Chuy. My two nephews - both married - one lives near Wrigleyville and the other off LSD near the lake - both were very avid supporters of Rahm the first time around. I saw them just a while back and both say they will vote this time for Chuy. The are in their late 30's and they say all their friends are disappointed with Rahm's performance and don't want him as mayor for another term.

My guess is if their is a big voter turnout tomorrow - Chuy will win. It is in his grasp despite what the Chicago Tribune and the polls ares saying. The polls are skewed to the 1%.

This election will hinge on the GOTV effort by Chuy and his people. There are a lot of people like you that are undecided. I've talked to a few in the last few days and they are leaning towards ousting Rahm.

Good Luck with your decision!!!!!!

Upon edit - I just found this post further down in DU. Here is the link: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10026467529

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

7. You and I are practically neighbors as we discovered during the previous election. We both

also go way back on this site. I can't presume to tell you who to vote for. It's up to and you seem like a well informed person from what I can tell having been here as long as I have. ***edited because i now realize i only have a year more than you here***. We both probably agree that Garcia's chances are slim to none as we head into Tuesday. So all I can recommend is you put the pros and cons on your metaphorical scale and weigh them.

It's no secret that I voted for Garcia on Saturday as did every other person I know who's willing to discuss their vote. Given the neighborhood we live in I think it's safe to say neither one of us is poor. I happened to have lucked out a few years after the recession. Not only was I one of the very few who survived the 2/3 staff cut in my architecture firm in 2008 (yes I took a pay cut of an already relatively low salary given my years of experience but I was still luckier than most). I was also fortunate enough that some of those people I worked with, were able to move to bigger and better things. That in turn helped me out since they decided to bring me along with them as things began to pick up. I never had any kids on my own so when times were bad I didn't worry as much since I only had to take care of me. Now things are different. I have my girlfriend's daughter from her previous relationship. I moved into this neighborhood knowing that my recent pay increases the last 2 years wouldn't take me that far paying the rent we're paying to live in this area. We did it for the kid who is now getting a fantastic education.

On the other hand, my friends on the west and south sides haven't been as fortunate. These are the people I've seen that this economy not only leaves behind but also get hit the hardest by the constantly shrinking safety net (closed mental institutions, closing schools, etc etc). I respect Commissioner Garcia because he not only came from the bottom (which he's never forgotten). He has also worked with a diverse group of people his entire life. No matter what the divisions between the black and Hispanic communities he's been a bridge builder between those communities which have been forgotten by the more affluent in our city going back decades. yes, his plans were not as specific but the same was said of a certain IL politician who inspired so many in 2008. The same level of energy that I saw in Obama's supporters. I see in the many Chuy volunteers I've personally met. Including my Reagan voting turned Obama supporter future mother in law who's worked her ass of for his campaign. That is who I voted for when I pushed that button. it might sound corny as shit but I'm voting for hope over fear and cynicism.

All I see in the current mayor is tone deafness, arrogance, greed and and a lust for power for the sake of power's sake. I did not vote for him 4 years ago because i was very familiar with who he was and didn't think he'd change. I feel I was and am right in thinking this way.

I normally post nothing other than silly little "funny" comments (some work. Some fall flat) or angry words (which come from a deep frustration because of the downward slide I've been witnessing since I decided to pay attention when I was kid during the 90s).

That's my story and I'm sticking to it. Good luck to you and yours.

PS: Sorry for the long ass reply. I pursued a career in architecture because as a writer I'd probably starve. So take this for what you will.

[alcibiades_mystery]

10. Thanks, man

For the well written and considered response.

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

11. Peace!.... I promise no more edits. nt

[VScott]

8. Depends...

Which one is the least corrupt?

Are the deceased finally taking off the voter registration lists?

[Luminous Animal]

9. The excitement of the unknown.

It could be the start of a different Chicago.

[alcibiades_mystery]

13. Well, I voted

Done is done.

[KamaAina]

15. In Chicago? No way!