Chicago lobbyist John Kelly on his mayoral run, crime, and city finances

About this episode

Fran Spielman interviews Chicago lobbyist and first-time candidate John Kelly about his run for mayor. Kelly says Chicago is in decline due to crime, high taxes, failing schools, and poor leadership, arguing residents don’t trust official crime stats and calling for restoring ShotSpotter, hiring 1,000 more police officers, shortening the police academy timeline, and cutting the mayor’s security detail to bolster CTA safety. He discusses firefighter concerns about equipment shortages and a need for more ambulances, suggesting budget reprioritization and possible private sponsorship.