Look, I understand that self-interest drives politics. In that regard, I can see why people like hedge-fund billionaires or lawyers for the parking meter company donate to Mayor Rahm. He’s looking out for them.
But as far as I can tell, the only thing Local 73’s members get from the mayor is the shaft.
Not just on the work front, where the mayor’s been firing workers at schools, parks, and the city—in the name of reform—while endorsing tax breaks for the rich in the name of economic development.
But in terms of larger policies. After all, many of the school aides, security guards, and Park District employees whom Local 73 represents live in the very south- and west-side neighborhoods the mayor’s hit hardest with his school and mental-health-clinic closings.
I guess I should have seen this donation coming. Earlier this year, Local 73 broke ranks from most of the other public employees’ unions to endorse Mayor Emanuel’s proposed pension plan. And last month Mayor Emanuel put Matt Brandon—secretary/treasurer of Local 73—on his minimum-wage task force.
Which I still suspect is just a ruse to undercut the whole minimum-wage movement.