Feud Mounts Between Emanuel and Quinn Over Stadium Authority

image
Created: 14 Oct, 2012
Updated: 17 Oct, 2022
2 min read
(Source: Ron Cogswell)

Last week, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel expressed his disapproval for Governor Pat Quinn's choice for the state's stadium authority. Quinn handpicked Kelly Kraft, a former TV reporter, to serve as Executive Director. The post would require Kraft to not only manage the same body that runs US Cellular Field, but also to oversee a much-needed Wrigley Field renovation that was halted by the Mayor this past July. This latest disagreement is the most recent example of dysfunction in Illinois politics, as the feud mounts between Emanuel and Quinn.

Emanuel feels that Kraft is unqualified for the position:

"That board and that staff is the thin blue line between protecting the taxpayers of the city of Chicago from paying, in case there's something mismanaged. And I think we should find the best-qualified people for that, which is why I -- given the board I inherited -- replaced them, put in place a whole new board with backgrounds in financial management, and expect the staff to meet that standard."

Kraft's history of filing for personal bankruptcy in September of 2009 has also raised concerns of her ability to handle finances related to her position.

Quinn has denounced Emanuel's criticism, attributing it to "character assassination." He has also stated that Emanuel's objection is fueled by the Mayor's need to hatch a "backdoor deal" for the Wrigley Field renovation. Kraft, according to Quinn, would not be a willing participant in any "backdoor" deals, as he told the Chicago Sun-Times:

"I've said over and over again I don't think public money should be abused with respect to private stadiums. Kelly Kraft is a strong woman who knows how to say 'no' to proposals that are not in the public interest. That's what the position entails: a person who knows the financials, knows the bond world and is able to prevent backroom deals."

The tension between Emanuel and Quinn has been evident ever since the Governor vetoed an Illinois casino plan that was heavily supported by the Mayor. Quinn alluded to "backdoor politics" as one of his main reasons for the casino plan veto.

Emanuel has denied that his objection of Kraft is an attempt at revenge, "This is all about protecting the taxpayers...It's not about personalities."

 

Latest articles

Clear ballot box with ballot inside.
Skokie Is the Latest Illinois City to Embrace Ranked Choice Voting
Skokie voters went to the polls on April 1 amidst a closely watched mayoral election to decide whether or not to adopt ranked choice voting (RCV). With 100% of precincts reporting, 58% of participating voters said ‘Yes’ to changing how the city conducts elections. ...
02 Apr, 2025
-
2 min read
Overhead shot of cargo at a port.
What Will Trump's 'Liberation Day' Mean for US Job Growth?
April 2 marks President Donald Trump’s ‘Liberation Day,’ which could usher in the most aggressive tariffs in modern US history or be completely blown out of proportion....
01 Apr, 2025
-
5 min read
Cory Booker
Cory Booker Just Delivered the Longest Senate Speech in US History
Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey made history with a marathon speech on the Senate floor, surpassing 24 hours in a sweeping protest against the policies of former President Donald Trump....
01 Apr, 2025
-
2 min read