Garcia: Teachers More Likely To Go On Strike If Emanuel Re-Elected
CHICAGO (CBS) -- In campaign the race for Mayor it's all about the kids, with painful memories raised by a challenger to Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
County Commissioner Jesus "Chuy" Garcia says another teachers' strike is more likely next fall if Emanuel is re-elected.
CBS 2 Chief Correspondent Jay Levine reports Garcia's claim is new but not unexpected because Garcia was handpicked by the teachers union to replace its President Karen Lewis, whose battles with Emanuel are legendary and bitter, and could be again.
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"If the past is any predictor of the future, you'll see someone who may have a chip on their shoulder and the possibilities for a strike are probably enhanced," Garcia said.
He feels Emanuel instigated the last walkout in 2012.
"He is a confrontation type of mayor, he is hard-headed and he thinks he can impose his will on everyone and that everyone fears him but the teachers union demonstrated that you can push back and you can win and you can defend public education," Garcia said.
Emanuel's campaign spokesman Steve Mayberry released a statement in response to Garcia's claim saying, "It's unfortunate for our children that Commissioner Garcia is speculating about a strike. He's clearly desperate in the final days of the campaign, and will do whatever he can to make some news. As the Mayor has said, he is looking forward to working with the union this summer to come to an agreement, just as he has worked with labor leaders throughout the city to strengthen our pension system and renew contracts."
While talks won't even begin until after the mayoral election,
responding to questions before Garcia made his comments, the mayor acknowledged that taking on the status quo had contributed to a tough re-election fight.
"I didn't run for office to worry about popularity, I worried about to make sure the kids in the city of Chicago have a future and that's how we'll get measured," Emanuel said.
Kids like Glennel Fairley of Englewood, who's participation in One Summer Chicago turned his life around.
"I filled out an application and in like two days I was working," Fairley said.
Next summer, 26,000 young people will take part in the anti-violence program, to be expanded with Tuesday's $10 million pledge from Magic Johnson and LA Dodgers chairman Mark Walter.
"The mayor shouldn't need my endorsement," Magic Johnson said. "He has it but he shouldn't need it because he's doing a wonderful job."
The timing of the event, in the final week of a campaign, was no coincidence. After Magic's visit on the South Side Tuesday, President Obama visits Thursday to shore up shaky support.
"It's pretty clear that people want change and they're worried about the direction of this city," said Alderman Robert Fioretti.
Emanuel said, "The responsibility that comes with this office is to provide leadership and move the city forward. It's not a measure of whether you are popular."
