It has been over 4 months since Mayor Brandon Johnson was sworn into office. Despite his short time in office, he has had massive impacts on the Chicago Administration. Many claim that Mayor Johnson is “cleaning house” due to his recent administrative removals; while others believe that he is removing those who will likely oppose and challenge his policies.
Nevertheless, Mayor Johnson has grown into his role by interacting with Chicagoans and creating new changes within the city. Recently, he attended the ribbon cutting ceremony of the first Chicago casino: Bally’s. Along with attending the ceremony, he was invited to speak and cut the ribbon itself with the area’s aldermans and owner of the casino–Soo Kim. However, Bally’s is only a temporary casino while Chicago waits for a permanent casino to be launched in 2026 at Chicago Avenue and Halsted street. Johnson believes it will be “more than just an entertainment venue. [The] project is going to secure Chicago’s fiscally strong and vibrant future.” Bally’s casino is expected to create hundreds of new, good-paying jobs. Furthermore, it will help with the current pension debt Chicago faces.
The Mayor’s administrative team has received major backlash from the speedy removal of the former top deputy of gender-based violence: Dari Flynn. They served as the first director of the gender-based violence working group originally created by Mayor Lori Lightlight. The current members of the working group are confused and deeply disturbed by the removal of such an important and advocative role. However, the Mayor’s office has said that they are working on filling the role and are (hopefully) finding a replacement by the end of the year. Despite the confirmation for replacement, the working group worries that their work is being thrown aside due to how there is no plan or system in place for them to work efficiently. Overall, the situation has caused Chicagonas to question the commitment of the Johnson administration to prevent gender-based violence.
As any other person in a highly-demanding role, Mayor Johnson has gained the approval and support of many, but has also received the criticism of many. He has embraced his role as Mayor through his administrative decisions, multiple appearances, and various changes in different areas around the city. It has only been 4 months, what will he do next?
