The Chicago Mayoral Debate ‘Should Be Fair and Honest With a Level Playing Field’

Probation Challenge/PCC Network presents a ‘Mayoral Candidate Debate/Forum’ with persons vying to become Mayor of the city of Chicago

By Rev. Harold Bailey

President of Probation Challenge/PCC Network

CHICAGO, IL – Given the misgivings, subliminal lies, official misconducts, crime, killings, drugs, and then being told (by some in authority) that the taxpaying public should digest an almost total disrespect for the law… by the law!

Question: Is it fair to say that African Americans, Hispanics and some unfortunate Caucasians have not been dealt a fair hand at life?

It is important for the African American community to understand why many sleep during the course of an election! This divisive action does not ‘just happen’ but is set forth by those in closed political quarters that create and induce subliminal messages into the veins of primarily African Americans! This is done so that the masses will not respond to what could be a fair and positive change; a change that could alter the course of the United States.

Why a constructive change in Chicago is challenged: It is reported that the 2013 population of Chicago is estimated to be 2.715 million people, which is said to be the 3rd largest city in the United States of America – and noted to be a population growth of approximately 0.3% from the last record of the population.

Ethnicity breakdown: The largest ethnicity in the city of Chicago is said to be white ethnicity, making up about 32% of the population. Over the course of the last half century, it’s reported that approximately 29% of the population is Hispanic and about 33% of the population is Black. However, it is important to note that blacks seemly are without adequate representation.

I hasten to point out that the largest European ethnicity in the city is reported to be Irish, followed closely by German voters. Though the Irish community is reported to be one of the smallest ethnic groups, it is well documented that they then as now – continue to have greater political influence.

Given the ethnicity breakdown, the puzzling question remains! Why aren’t there more African Americans in leadership? Is there a political struggle for Whites to maintain city and county control?

Given the stats, it appears that blacks are deliberately being knocked out of leadership! History dictates that the city’s yesterdays were governed by the Irish community (which now has a low ethnicity count) but yet has remnants of strong control over others in the political arena.

One valued political source said, ‘Yes there is a strong move by a particular ethnic group to keep the black vote count down by creating division and distrust within the black leadership, leaving distrust in their community’. The source said that a small fraction of black men and a handful of women have viciously fought among themselves for political power – not considering that a splintered vote would cost the community power and revenue gain. This means of division allows those already sitting in seats of power to repeat the yesterdays which turns some voters into patronage workers. Patronage work by way of the late Mayor Harold Washington was said to be outlawed! However, it is said by more than a few Chicagoans that they are still obligated to donate a portion of their finances to some political ward bosses.

With African Americans seated in more governmental seats than ever in the history of Chicago and the State of Illinois, the question remains… why are there so few blacks seated with muscle to do great achievements, and why are blacks not sitting in those visible seats that offer genuine power? Would you think that blacks in city and state governments are threatened to hold their peace/mouth, and forced to believe that they cannot govern correctly?

Perhaps the downfall of some blacks would be an arrogant demeanor? A number of the working class citizens believe that many in Chicago City Hall’s seats, rest with the opinion that there is little need to give any accountability to anyone other than themselves.

An elderly woman retired from city government said, “There are persons downtown that are rocking with delight as they’ve dismissed the fact that a sworn pledge of decencies were made on a Bible upon accepting their office. That pledge was made to God and to their constituents to give honesty and accountability!’ Many politicians have all but forgotten to tell the public what goes on in those closed- door meetings! The public has an entitlement to expect each ‘ward boss’ to give facts, figures and certainly statistics back to those that they serve.

The economy of the city of Chicago is documented to be one of the most prosperous economies and thought to have the highest potential for growth. The city is a leader in global trade, generating more trade volume than New York. The city generated $3.5 billion. The economy as a whole is quite diversified as it has large influences in multiple, different sectors.

With all the dollars flowing over the portals of Chicago, why are there questions as to where the money ends-up? With the powers-that-be declaring broke, it appears that many of those dollars never reach the hands of the black community! Yes, money is there, however, there are no jobs in a true sense earmarked for the large number of youth or adults!

With the population growth, schools are closing rather than building more! Or are those sitting on the school board following city halls instructions to build new schools?

The Question remains as to who will construct the purposed new school facilities? What companies will be selected and by what means will these decisions be derived? With predominately black schools affected, what ethnic group will be in charge of any reconstruction of schools? This school construction project and millions of dollars will send money into whose coffers. It is said by some, that African-Americans will not benefit, but will be overlooked as usual.

Change in the way things are done is suggested by many; however, many are afraid of their consequences for speaking out against the Chicago Political System. A large fraction of Chicagoans believe that to speak-out against political evils would give city government permission to send out their watchdogs to only find wrongs with a mere cracks in a homeowners’ pavements. Faults in building violations, garage problems, and other small things that may be costly to a tax have also many stated.

An outspoken politician stated off the record, that “this present administration is out-of-control!” He said that now, the world of politics with its careless dictatorship, has caused the branding of this great City of Chicago… the beautiful city by the great Lake Michigan… a War Zone.

Rev. Harold E. Bailey, founder and president of the Probation Challenge organization has for decades loudly warned the public about ills concerning the Chicago/State criminal justice system, however most of his sentiments to speak the truths fell to deft ears, because of city and county administrative influence. Bailey, who once served 14-years as a Chicago/Cook County Adult Probation Office, 14-years as a member and chairman of the Chicago/Cook County Department of Corrections, has noted that the complexion of those who pimp the system are more than often blacks and Hispanics but only a few whites. However, it is highly noticed that those who rule over the incarcerated – are by large white in administration. He said that given an historical prospective… it is liken unto the days of yesterday – the plantation. The ‘P’ that was in Penitentiary, is the same ‘P’ that is in Prison… and the same ‘P’ that is in Plantation. Bailey said “The game is still the same, only players have changed”.

Time, Truth and Accountability: Mayoral Debate/Forum

Probation Challenge and The PCC Network, will present a ‘Mayoral Candidate Debate/Forum’, which will take place, Saturday, November 1, 2014, 12 O’clock Noon, at the St. Paul Community Development Ministries, 4550 South Wabash Avenue, Chicago, Illinois.

All mayoral candidates have been invited, with most consenting to participate. Only a few (to date) have not responded.

The Probation Challenge organization will take note of those (absent) who are vying for mayoral leadership, but dare not to show face and give accountability of their stewardship, nor give plans for their future leadership. This deemed as total disrespect.

Bailey said, “No Mayoral Candidate should take a taxpayer’s vote for granted! A candidate or elected official should earn respect. He said, “Respect has to be earned”… Respect includes accountability to the community for which he or she serves.

‘The Panel of Respected Journalist’

Chinta Strausberg will serve as moderator. Strausberg is Editor in Chief of 3:16 Magazine and talk show host of the ‘Strausberg Report’ airing on the PCC Network. Strausberg is a former political reporter for the Chicago Defender Newspaper.

Art Norman, Chicago Channel 5 News. Art Norman is a special contributor to NBC 5 News.

Juanita Bratcher, Editor and Publisher of CopyLine Magazine, Author, and a former news reporter for the Chicago Defender Newspaper, assigned to politics and education.

Rev. Harold E. Bailey, president of Probation Challenge/PCC Network, will serve as Mayoral Debate Facilitator.

•Crime •Drugs •Violence •Taxes and other issues will be addressed.

For more information, contact: Rev. Harold E. Bailey at mrheb@aol.com or 773.978.3706

WWW.ProbationChallenge.org – The Truth Network