Sep 07, 2010
DePaul Experts Available to Comment on Mayor Daley's Decision Not To Seek Re-election
DePaul Experts Available to Comment on Mayor Daley's Decision Not To Seek Re-election
DePaul University has experts available to comment about Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley’s announcement that he will not seek a seventh term. Experts include:
Larry Bennett, professor of political science and author of several books on Chicago, including the forthcoming “The Third City: Chicago and American Urbanism.” Said Bennett: "Richard M. Daley's decision to step down as mayor of Chicago is not a complete surprise, especially following Rio de Janeiro’s selection to host the 2016 Olympics over Chicago. The city government’s current fiscal problems also may have spurred the mayor’s anticipation of a relaxed, press-free retirement.” Bennett can be reached at (773) 325-1973 or lbennett@depaul.edu.
Woods Bowman, professor of public service and former chief financial officer for Cook County, can comment on how Chicago finances may have figured in Mayor Daley's announcement not to run for reelection, and can discuss what may happen next. Bowman can be reached at (312) 362 –5718 or wbowman@depaul.edu
Mike Conklin, journalism instructor. A former longtime Chicago Tribune reporter, Conklin can discuss how and why Daley's decision caught everyone by surprise, its impact on other races, and how it opens doors for Republicans. Conklin can be reached at (312) 362-7645 or mconkli2@depaul.edu.
John F. McCarron, lecturer, College of Communication. Issues impacting Chicago and its metropolitan region. Populations trends, infrastructure planning, housing and economic development. Contributing op-ed columnist for the Chicago Tribune, where he once covered urban affairs. Former senior vice president of strategy and communications for the Metropolitan Planning Council. He can be reached at (847) 687-5389 or j.mccarron@att.net.
R. Craig Sautter, visiting faculty, School for New Learning. Sautter can talk about Daley from a historical perspective, including how Daley transformed the city's appearance, its business and social climate and its aesthetic image, as well as "reformed" its schools and sustained the new racial peace ushered in by the election of Mayor Harold Washington. He can be reached at (773) 262-5806, cell (773) 655-7169 or e-mail at rcsautter@aol.com.
Joseph Schwieterman, professor of public service and author of numerous books about Chicago and urban planning, is able to comment on the potential impact of a change in the mayor's office on major public works projects in Chicago, including critical expansion work at O'Hare International Airport. Schwieterman can be reached at (312) 315-4091or jschwiet@depaul.edu.
James Wolfinger, associate professor of history and education. A political and urban historian of 20th century America, Wolfinger can discuss Chicago’s political history, especially the role of the Daley family as he steps down from office. He can also discuss the changing face of Chicago – its ethnic makeup and economic challenges – as voters prepare to elect a new mayor. He is the author of the book, “Philadelphia Divided: Race and Politics in the City of Brotherly Love,” and is currently working on a history of black Chicago titled, “Building the Black Metropolis.” He can be reached at (773) 325-4290 or jwolfing@depaul.edu.
Joe Schwieterman.