Haha....This is Priceless
When things appear to be going well, there's money to burn on all sorts of pet projects:
- tens of thousands of illegal aliens
- reparation "task forces"
- refurbishing the mayor's wife's office
- massive redundant oversight of police
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposal to cut 456 police vacancies would decimate spending and staff within the office leading the Chicago Police Department’s court-ordered reform push, raising renewed questions about his commitment to getting out from under a slow-moving federal consent decree.
Johnson’s $17.3 billion 2025 budget increased CPD’s annual budget slightly, to $2.1 billion, but only to cover the 5% raises Johnson gave rank-and-file officers when he extended and sweetened the deal negotiated by his predecessor, Lori Lightfoot.
The vacant CPD positions proposed for elimination are more than half of the 743 vacant positions Johnson wants to cut citywide to chip away at a nearly $1 billion budget shortfall next year. It’s the second straight year Johnson has eliminated hundreds of police vacancies. The mayor’s budget also includes a $300 million property tax increase facing stiff headwinds in an emboldened City Council.
The Office of Constitutional Policing and Reform would take a major hit, with its budget shrinking by 45% — to about $3.7 million, down from about $6.7 million this year. The staff would be cut from 65 budgeted employees to 28 next year.
So it would seem:
- someone in a position to make decisions noticed the staffing at "Constitutional Policing" couldn't be justified as crime spiraled out of control, Conehead's bodyguard detail kept expanding and beat cars were going unmanned;
- they also noticed that "reform" is just another name for "funneling money to friends and family of connected people via crooked contracts" starting a few supernintendos ago;
The usual grifters (Robert Boik for starters) are whining that politicians aren't being serious about "reform" as they see the gravy train coming to an end:
Robert Boik was fired as the office’s executive director in August 2022 after he criticized then-Police Supt. David Brown’s decision to reassign 46 officers under his supervision. Johnson’s cuts would be equally devastating and could slow to a crawl what has already been a painfully slow march toward police reform.
“Reform doesn’t happen without investment,” Boik, now senior vice president of public safety for the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago, warned Thursday. CPD’s overhaul, he added, hinges on technological advancements and hiring project managers and data specialists who can lead the department through the consent decree and track its compliance.
A typical tool who's made a living off of a "reform" train that never seemed destined to end. And a "reform" train that was never actually a Consent Decree....the federal government didn't authorized a dime for it and the Illinois/Chicago pols had to hunt up a retired federal judge to pretend to sign off on it. He got paid, too.
And then the money started to run out.
Labels: money questions
posted by SCC at 12:04 AM
56 Comments:
Just wait till the Sgt & LT’s retro bill comes due..
The Chicago way....
The city of Chicago is going towards a brick wall going 120mph. Everyone’s best move is get out while you can. The life boats are gone and it’s everyone for them selves. Good luck.
Just go back and read the story on Mrs. Conehead’s play office. The Cone’s response when questioned about it was really rude and extremely arrogant. Why does she need an office, what is she qualified to do, what will her duties entail? Why can’t she have a desk in the Mayor’s office next to him. They could ride to work together and save on gas & security. Maybe she will emerge as his Dr Jill! The Cone is just in your face he could care less about us. He needs some Reparation-H.
“Chicago spent more than $80K to renovate, furnish office for First Lady Johnson”
NBC Chicago.com. Oct 10 2024.
Not a cop. Does someone know the # of detail Rahm, Daley or Lightfoot had and why Johnson has so many? Who "justifies/approves" it? I think it is ego. Where are the "next steps" from his meeting in London (besides the photo op)?
Mayor Johnson’s actions since taking office reveal a troubling pattern that’s damaging to both the present and future of Chicago. From disregarding ethical standards to hiking taxes and sidelining public safety, his decisions show a lack of commitment to both his promises and the well-being of Chicago’s residents.
His acceptance of lobbyist donations, despite campaign pledges to avoid outside influence, is a clear betrayal of public trust. Returning the donations only after scrutiny doesn’t erase the initial ethical lapse, and his resistance to codifying an ethics ban shows a calculated decision to protect himself rather than prioritize accountability and transparency.
Johnson’s approach to public safety is another serious concern. By ignoring demands to reinstate the ShotSpotter program and eliminating 400 unfilled CPD positions, he’s signaling that crime isn’t a priority. Residents are left feeling vulnerable, and it’s hard not to question his commitment to their safety.
The financial impact of his decisions is equally concerning. Johnson’s $300 million property tax hike goes against his campaign promise to avoid adding financial strain on residents. The effects ripple out to renters and small business owners, making the city less affordable and hurting local businesses already struggling. These tax increases add up, creating a harsh economic environment that will drive more families and businesses out of Chicago.
Even more troubling is Johnson’s lack of accountability to taxpayers. When leaders impose higher taxes without clear benefits or transparency, it feels like a breach of the social contract. Johnson hasn’t provided enough transparency on how these funds will be allocated, and residents deserve to know exactly where their money is going. This lack of openness erodes trust, making people question the value of their sacrifices.
Johnson’s reluctance to consider alternative cost-saving solutions is perhaps the most frustrating. Instead of looking into options like repurposing underutilized school properties, which could generate revenue without taxing residents further, he’s taken the easy path of raising taxes. By failing to balance economic growth and resident welfare, he’s making Chicago less attractive for new businesses and long-term residents alike, threatening the city’s sustainability.
Johnson’s decisions also set a damaging precedent for fiscal responsibility. When leaders lean too heavily on tax increases without innovating, it creates an unsustainable model that future administrations will struggle to address. Chicago’s residents have long called for ethical reform and transparency, and Johnson’s reluctance to prioritize these values leaves people feeling overlooked and undermined.
This lack of responsibility and vision doesn’t just affect Chicagoans today—it also affects the city’s reputation. By prioritizing short-term revenue increases over sustainable solutions, Johnson risks diminishing Chicago’s national appeal, making it harder to attract future residents, businesses, and investors.
Chicago deserves leadership that listens, keeps its promises, and prioritizes ethical governance and fiscal responsibility. It’s time to hold Mayor Johnson accountable, demand transparency, and insist on a leader who respects the needs and future of Chicago’s residents. Bottom line-, it's time to recall the corrupt Assh--e!
Constitutional Police and Reform unit does not need a chief, deputy chief, and 2 civilian directors making just below or above 200k. At most they just need a chief and deputy chief, everything else can be ran by lieutenants or sergeants. How many directors does the supts office need? And what exactly do they do? There’s a lot of pork buried in pages 307 - 312, 332 of the budget book.
Does this mean that Mayor Conehead is giving up his fancy haircuts?
So type of gold star Committee,... of the usual huscksters, can add more more to the bill...then THEY can say gotta raise taxes, fines, fees....and aldermans pay.
Just another poverty pimp.
Retired in Texas……
Thanks SCC !!!
I completely forgot about Mrs. conehead and her office re-do….
Dollars to donuts Mrs conehead has a security detail too…all on tax payer expense….
Seems the coneheads are living large on the tax payer’s teat….
Any investigative journalist out there want to actually do their job ?
Watch each others back out there !!
How about the Mayor’s 30,000 dollar haircuts? I can show him my barber in Garfield Ridge where he could get a haircut for 30.00
How bout cutting the command staff in half C P D does not need all these do nothing positions. That would save the city millions in salary and pension. Oh, wait can’t do that these are politically connected positions!
The Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago? What the hell is that? He actually gets a salary from this group?
Don’t you dare. Keep that fuckstick outta my neighborhood.
Nothing needs a chief and deputy chief
These equity reform buzzards are nothing more than working welfare recipients.
This is the creeping Communism we were warned of. “OK for Me, but not for Thee”
Yeah they do,,,,,,,,so they can kickback more under the table to the regime, while the Feds turn a blind eye and willl eventually nail them as they approach 90 years old….
What’s the actual number of PO’s in his protection detail? I keep seeing 200 in the blog. Why is no one calling him out on this? I mean let’s say the average salary is 100k, that’s $20 mil per year spent on security. If this math is right, that is nuts!!!
Retired in Texas…….
PS……just got an anti Rosemarie ro giambalvo flyer in the mail…
A little late but hilarious nonetheless…..FLYER: Vote No on Bankrupt RO
Flyer goes on to cite her personal bankruptcies, foreclosures and defaults.
Flyer continues on with her, not working since 1993, but now wants to work full-time on the pension board….. can’t make this sh$t up……
The funny part on the flyer states it was paid for by very very very concerned retirees….. And no, I didn’t vote for her…….
Hmmmmmm…me thinks the pension board’s investigative arm needs to do some investigating into her 31 years of scamming our pension…….just sayin’….
Stay safe out there!!
Did Maggie have her own office? Mrs. Emanuel? Mr. Lightfoot?
Long post but accurate. This is what it looks like with a "progressive" in charge. They act and think like they are royalty, even though we did away with kings with the Revolutionary War.
The so-called gravy train of "reform" is not going away anytime soon. This is most likely why Rahm did not run again. He could see in the tea leaves how expensive the Consent decree will be, and since the plaintiff in that lawsuit was the State of Illinois, and not the USDOJ, Rahm also knew that no federal financial help was coming to help pay for it. If it wasn't Boik in that position, it would have been someone else. And the Reform office does need chiefs and directors, otherwise Chiefs, Deputy Chiefs, and Commanders would not take orders from sergeants and lieutenants.
That consent decree is going to be very expensive to implement, one way or the other, and it's not going away. Look at Los Angeles.
I am the third senior vice-executive administrative advising consultant for constitutional governmental awareness and equity in safety and police policy for the Civic Fairness Association of Business and Social Integration. I have all the answers to all the problems Chicago is facing. Step one: give me ten million taxpayer dollars. Step two: I'll form a blue ribbon committee and get back to you in a few years.
Has anyone ever seen the crew at Constitutional Policing? The majority are a bunch of 5 year wonders that double as Wicker Park hipsters. You know the types, they look at real cops with disdain and love a decent man bun and mustache. This job went from being the coolest job in the world to being the shittiest and most emasculating job in the world in just a few years. I’d give my left arm to go back to riding around with a burned out Vietnam vet that actually took the time to explain what police work is and how to effectively do this job.
"The city of Chicago is going towards a brick wall going 120mph" ... the city will not crash dramatically. It will continue to crumble, like Detroit.
Working in the Office of Constitutional Policing must be a thrill a minute. I wonder how many people in that unit have actually worked the streets longer than a few weeks? Dictating policing to those who actually do work in the streets.
Retired in Tennessee in 2021 glad we got the fuck out of Dodge when we did ! Read the blog daily, and can’t believe the arrogance of the incompetent CTU punk made bitch mayor cone fucking head ! This mother fucker thinks is above reproach, and doesn’t have to be held accountable by the people that elected his sorry fucking ass ! You democrats are happiest when your getting fuck by your own party ! Bunch of fucking sheep ! Trump all in to win 2024 !
Why does the Mayor need so many Trained Officers to "Protect" him ? Who or what has expressed a desire to harm him ? Is this his way to "Pimp" his Brand ? Will he be buried in his Cadillac ?
Agreed. This department doesn't need any Directors besides the Community Policing Unit and EA P. Either they cut Constitutional Police and Reform or we take a much higher city tax increase and a freeze on new hires. 200k for less than 1 hour of work per day.......get to cutting!
Reform starts from within and up top. There has been no major steps or changes within this department, even with the two-tiered civilian oversights. The Constitutional Police and Reform Unit is another hiding spot. We could use the help in patrol.
While you're at it, get rid of some civilian positions in Personnel. They make the retirement process extremely difficult. No one knows anything. The majority of the civilians in Personnel are rude and give you the runaround. They spend most of their time away from their desks and infront of the HQ's smoking cigarettes.
Chicago spent more than $80K to renovate, furnish office for First Lady Johnson”
NBC Chicago.com. Oct 10 2024.
Birdie Johnson ain't got $hit on Big Mike...
Reparations H, good one.
What does the Constitutional Police and Reform Unit do for us besides send you to trainings at the academy that you can take online. I’d say cut the unit and leave the property taxes alone.
Nothing improves policing better than project managers and data specialists. I have a couple cousins for the jobs - who would give me a kickback in gratitude for getting a do nothing city job -- The Chicago Way.
How about a buyout?? I will quit for a 10k bonus
Um, the chiefs, deputies and commanders give orders to lieutenants and sergeants. Has never been the other way around. And chiefs and deputies don’t take orders from civilian directors dipshit. You must be the breanna Stewart look-alike civilian director writing dumb shit.
Your post made no sense. Sober up before posting.
Things ran smoother with the old school bunch, like it or not.
He’s got a larger detail bc he’s a black man with a black wife and 4 black kids- plus somewhere a baby mamma & a suburban home.
I’d like to know what he’s going to do when Trump cuts funds to sanctuary cities.
Its been the DemoRats main goal for a while now...Go after and destry the working middle class so well all have to rely on the government like the homeless.
The only thing in Chicago that needs REFORM is the ghetto.
☝🏽😆seems like you covered all the bases for your non-profit org
Boik was Emmanuel’s guy at Chicago Public Schools. While on CPD, he actually thought that he had an operational role such as giving directions to Chiefs and the like. He was largely ignored by the command staff at the direction of the Superintendent.
There no Jounalists in Chicago or in most of the country for that matter. Just activist writers who really do not know how to do investigative reporting. And, they are all progressives who would rather cut their wrists then write something bad about a fellow liberal .
He tried that the first time around and failed. The President cannot add or detract any funding without the vote of Congress. That is the separation of powers in action
It has been a few years since I was studying police administration, but when I did I found most cities are not as top heavy in rank as Chicago is. In other cities you will find lieutenants or captains running most units, certainly not chiefs and deputy chiefs. Patronage at its finest. And the fact the mayor has more bodyguards then the President of the USA and his wife also has an office, probably a city car and driver and a few bodyguards of her own, is just a travesty that should make the city taxpayers outraged.
Give 20 year officers the option to walk way with the medical and you won’t have to worry about laying people off veteran's will leave.. including myself..
How far do you think 10k will last you? Goof
Any simple person with common sense would say never hire a guy who cant pay his own bills!!! Obvioulsy when you dont pay your own bills then you have poor management skills.
Water bills are racist thou....
Yes, it's the proverbial tail wagging the dog.
You can't be serious?
Eliminate 25 Alderman,elimination of Captain Rank,half of exempt ranks
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