CHICAGO — As a candidate for mayor, Lori Lightfoot promised to transform Chicago’s often corrupt political culture, in part by taking away the near-total power aldermen have over matters in their own wards and by leading a transparent government.
“For years, they said Chicago ain’t ready for reform. Well, get ready, because reform is here,” Lightfoot declared in her inaugural address.
Three years after that speech, however, activists and aldermen say the city’s political culture largely remains intact. And as she gears up for an expected reelection bid next year — this time as an insider — the Democratic mayor's record on cleaning up City Hall is likely to be a target of those who want to succeed her.
