Inside Chicago Government

Latest Episodes:

10/27/11: "The Mayor's Millionaire Club" Jan 20, 2012

Show notes

How this article differs from much of what Ben writes; how Mayor Emanuel deals with reporters; and contrasting Rahm Emanuel and Richard M. daley. Length 6.3 minutes.

11/24/11: "As Mayor Emanuel Cuts, His Hometown Shows How to Invest in a Library" Dec 06, 2011

Show notes

How Ben justifies a comparison of Wilmette and Rogers Park; how Chicago could invest more in libraries, rather than cut their budget; and a redundant grocery store in Greektown. Length 9 minutes.

11/17/11: "Senator Kirk Claims That Chicago's Top High Schools Are Charters, but That Doesn't Mean It's True" Nov 20, 2011

Show notes

Deficiencies of Chicago Public Schools' new report card on school performance; when Ben acted a cheerleader for charter schools; and panicked parents gaming the selective enrollment process. Length 9.5 minutes.

11/10/11: "Water + Sewers = Slush Fund" Nov 13, 2011

Show notes

A beginner's guide to the city's budget document; the myth that city government can continue without raising fees and taxes; and the king of deceptive budgeting. Length 8.5 minutes.

9/29/11: "Wake Up, Chicago Teachers Union" Nov 10, 2011

Show notes

Origins of black patronage at Chicago Public Schools HQ; when new clout replaces old clout; and what causes the electorate to rise up. Length 8.2 minutes.

10/27/11: "What to Tell an Alderman Who Fibs to You About TIFs" Nov 05, 2011

Show notes

The first step for true reform of the city's budget process; the bait-and-switch game of raiding TIF reserves; and why TIF works well as a subject for an Occupy Chicago speech. Length 6.5 minutes.

9/2/11: "Mayor Emanuel's Guide to Union Busting: Just Do it for the Kids" Oct 14, 2011

Show notes

What Mayor Emanuel's decision to send his kids to a private school says; recognizing students' developmental disparities as "making excuses" for public schools; and what makes a great Chicago public school. Length 10.2 minutes.

9/8/11: "Mayor Emanuel May Be Breaking Budget Promises, but at Least He's Not Mayor What's-His-Name" Sep 12, 2011

Show notes

Why Mayor Emanuel's tax-increment financing reform doesn't constitute reform; Congressman Quigley's disappointing support of Emanuel's reform; and why former Mayor Daley had a more democratic approach to public input. Length 8.9 minutes.

9/1/11: "Wrigley Funding Scheme Is Another Cub Loser" Sep 09, 2011

Show notes

A review of government subsidies to Chicago's major-league sports teams; the contradiction inherent in removing, then replacing, property-tax revenues for public schools; and how the proposed longer school day results in a teacher pay cut. Length 6.3 minutes.

8/18/11: "The Teacher Who Was Punished Indefinitely for Being Laid Off Once" Aug 31, 2011

Show notes

Whether Chicago Public Schools' do-not-hire practices have changed under Supt. Brizard; how to change CPS's illogical policies; and how do-not-hire resembles tax-increment financing. Length 5.1 minutes.

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