(The Center Square) – Chicago residents continue to express concerns about the city’s finances while city officials deliver tribute speeches and talk about banning fur.
At a city council meeting that lasted well over five hours Wednesday, aldermen offered tributes to retiring Chicago Department of Aviation Commissioner Jamie Rhee, who has led the agency since 2018. They also delivered tribute speeches to various women for Women’s History Month.
The council voted against an ordinance proposed by Alderman Raymond Lopez that would have banned new fur sales in the city, even though animal-rights activists supported the measure. Several speakers offered their endorsements during the meeting’s public comment period.
Nicole Lodi said the fur industry is inherently cruel.
“Animals are confined to small cages and killed using inhumane methods, such as gassing, skinning alive and anal electrocution, all for the sake of fashion,” Lodi said.
Alderman Stephanie Coleman opposed Lopez’ proposal, saying it would force businesses to close.
“Let’s support policies that uplift businesses rather than shut them down. Let’s respect consumer choice,” Coleman said.
Mink production across the U.S. has declined dramatically in recent years.
Fourteen species classified as furbearers, including mink, can be legally hunted or trapped in Illinois. Bobcats are the only furbearer that requires a permit for hunting or trapping in the state.
At an earlier council committee hearing, Tiwon Sims said city government should be accountable for its finances.
“We didn’t ask that we be faulted $982 million in regards to what, a new arrival initiative? A Ponzi scheme?” Sims asked, referring to the city’s budget deficit.
Mayor Brandon Johnson defended city spending.
“If you’re asking me that the 70,000 people who are unhoused who are doubling up, that we have solved that crisis? We have not. That’s why I get to be mayor for more than one term. Because the investments that we are making in insuring that we are building more homes, building more affordable homes, responding to this crisis requires investment,” Johnson said.
