Chicago Mayor Can’t Be Recalled Under Illinois Law, But a New Bill Aims to Change That
A Push for Good Government
It is a movement gaining strength on several fronts: a push to establish a recall election for Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. There is no provision for such an election under Illinois state law, but Representatives Anthony De Lucca and LaShawn Ford this week introduced House Bill 1084, which would create a process for a clear and effective process for doing so.
A Long-Standing Effort
Ford has been trying to get such a mechanism on the books since 2015, in the wake of the fatal shooting of Laquan McDonald by then-Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke. “It’s not about Brandon Johnson, it’s about good government and making sure that this mechanism is on the books,” Ford said.
A Grassroots Effort
The bill joins an existing grassroots effort to gather signatures to place a recall measure on the ballot. “We need to have a mechanism in place, which is what our original petition was all about,” said Dan Boland, who is spearheading the Committee for the Chicago Mayoral Recall.
Scandals and Criticism
The push for a recall comes at a time when the mayor is already under scrutiny for his relationship with the Chicago Teachers Union and his role in negotiations with that union, as well as criticism from Gov. J.B. Pritzker about his lack of a relationship with legislators in Springfield. Johnson brushed off recall talk as he and other officials welcomed a $1.9 billion federal investment in the CTA’s red line extension. “As far as people introducing legislation, that’s their job,” he said.
A Low Approval Rating
A November poll conducted by Change Research pegged Johnson’s approval rating at 15%, an historic low for a sitting Chicago mayor.
Conclusion
The push for a recall election for Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is gaining momentum, with a new bill introduced in the Illinois state legislature and a grassroots effort underway to gather signatures. While the mayor has brushed off the recall talk, the effort highlights the need for good government and accountability in the city.
FAQs
* What is the current law regarding recall elections in Illinois?
+ There is no provision for recall elections in Illinois state law.
* Who introduced the new bill to establish a recall election process?
+ Representatives Anthony De Lucca and LaShawn Ford introduced House Bill 1084.
* What is the current approval rating of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson?
+ According to a November poll conducted by Change Research, Johnson’s approval rating is 15%.
