Brandon Johnson, once previously a Cook County commissioner, has been officially sworn in as Chicago’s new mayor. During his speech, he made many promises and acknowledged many of Chicago’s issues. He mentioned mental health, crime, and even wages. He spoke of a vision for an equitable Chicago.
That Chicago, with its clean and safe streets, is the Chicago that Johnson and his allies seek to create. Though, at the same time, while Johnson made heavy promises, he made it clear that the Chicago he envisioned could only be created with cooperation from others. With all of this in mind, Chicago seems to have a bright and equitable future ahead.
Brandon Johnson’s Promises
Brandon Johnson made many promises during his inauguration speech. He promised a cleaner and safer Chicago. Johnson said that he would bring opportunities to young people with more jobs and after-school programs. He said he would address crime by making sure that police are given responsibilities that are suitable for them. Furthermore, he said he would address the mental health crisis in Chicago.
Brandon Johnson has big plans for the mental health industry of Chicago. However, all the great things that Brandon has in store rely upon the help of others. The mayor of Chicago only has a limited amount of power. However, with the collective power of industry leaders, labor organizations, residents, and more, a better Chicago could be made.
Johnson’s Allies and Enemies
Luckily, Brandon Johnson has many allies to accomplish this grand goal. Johnson has the Chicago Teachers Union and SEIU to help assist him in the fight for a better city. He also has the goodwill of everyone who voted for him, plus all the folks who aided him on the campaign trail. Johnson also has the support of his family, especially his wonderful wife Mrs. Johnson, who became Chicago’s first Black first lady this Monday.
However, he may face a few struggles during this process from those who may not support the grand project. Business leaders and corporate executives may object to things like raising taxes on higher tax brackets instead of raising taxes on working-class people. Corporate executives generally show very little interest in projects where they can’t see profits. This is how entire neighborhoods, like North Lawndale, get left behind. However, it seems there is a light at the end of the tunnel for these kinds of communities.
Chicago’s Chosen One
The many promises of Brandon Johnson combined with his current track record give hope to many in the city of Chicago. The city has an awful history of segregation and oppression. However, Brandon Johnson may be bringing in a new era of Chicago history. The city could be walking towards a better tomorrow. Chicago’s problems, like its homelessness issues and its lack of affordable housing, may finally be addressed.
The mental health of Chicago may also be addressed by the Johnson administration. Brandon Johnson made many promises, and even if he accomplishes only half of what he promised, Chicago would be changed for the better. However, the people of Chicago should be careful. There have been many cases in the history of politics of a candidate seeming to be extremely progressive only to do nothing in the position of power.
Being Sworn In
Timothy C. Evans, Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County, took the stage with Johnson to swear him in as the city’s new mayor. Johnson and Evans shared a quick embrace, and handshake, as the judge stated, “It’s been a long time coming” to the new mayor.
They took center stage with Johnson’s family by his side. He placed his hand on the bible his wife held out for him and took his oath.
I, Brandon Johnson, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States. And the Constitution of Illinois. And that I will faithfully discharge the duties of mayor of the city of Chicago according to the best of my ability.
Immediately afterward, Judge Evans exclaimed, “Sir, you are installed.” The crowd erupted in cheers as Mayor Brandon Johnson and Judge Evans cheerfully exchanged handshakes.
Chicago’s New Mayor
Ultimately, Brandon Johnson is Chicago’s new mayor. The city is now in the hands of Johnson, his family, and his many allies across the Chicago political landscape. SEIU and the Chicago Teachers Union have a champion that will continue to fight for them. This could be the greatest four years the city has ever seen. Chicagoans should prepare, for their entire city could be drastically changing within the next four years.
Written by Kenneth Mazerat
Sources:
Inauguration: May 15, 2023
New Yorker: Chicago’s Unlikeliest Mayor, Brandon Johnson Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor
USA Today: New Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson to be sworn in. What to know about his plans for the city.
WGN-TV: Brandon Johnson sworn in as Chicago’s 57th mayor by: Judy Wang, Gaynor Hall, Andrew Smith, Brónagh Tumulty, Glenn Marshall
Images Courtesy of TNS Staff
