FOX Chicago Sunday Reporter's Notebook: Political ads on new teachers' contract
Posted:
Updated:
By Dane Placko, FOX 32 News Investigative Reporter - bio
CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
If you ever had any doubt that a large part of the fight over a new Chicago teachers' contract was all about politics, just take a look at what happened after the strike was settled last week.
A campaign-style ad featuring Mayor Emanuel ran heavily on television stations, starting the day after the strike was settled, and a similar ad featuring the mayor ran on radio.
No tax funds were used to produce or run the ads. The ad was paid for by a deep-pockets business group promoting school reform.
A similar spot featuring Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis ran on radio.
Now I understand that both parties want get their side of the story out for public consumption, and do a little victory dance.
I don't know exactly how much money was spent, although the mayor's ad was running constantly.
But wouldn't it have been nice if both sides instead spent the "we won the battle" money on something like… public education?
We keep hearing about teachers reaching into their own pockets to buy school supplies for their kids, and music programs and intramurals being cut.
But it apparently was more important – politically - for both sides to claim victory.
Tanya Triche with the Illinois Retail Merchants Association says passing the bill to raise minimum wage to $10 an hour would hurt our already fragile economy.
Tanya Triche with the Illinois Retail Merchants Association says passing the bill to raise minimum wage to $10 an hour would hurt our already fragile economy.
Mike Flannery, along with a handful of other Chicago TV journalists, will be inducted Friday into the prestigious "Silver Circle" of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Mike Flannery, along with a handful of other Chicago TV journalists, will be inducted Friday into the prestigious "Silver Circle" of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Chicago Chapter.
Friday, May 10 2013 5:37 PM EDT2013-05-10 21:37:26 GMT
It is Mother's Day and sadly while many people are making plans like dinner and brunch reservations with their children and loved ones, too many mothers have lost a child to gun violence.
It is Mother's Day and sadly while many people are making plans like dinner and brunch reservations with their children and loved ones, here in Chicago, too many mothers have lost a child to gun violence.
Friday, May 10 2013 5:30 PM EDT2013-05-10 21:30:05 GMT
There's plenty of reason to believe Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's preparing to challenge Governor Quinn in next spring's Democratic primary.
There's plenty of reason to believe Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's preparing to challenge Governor Quinn in next spring's Democratic primary.
Some Chicago-area men were arrested in an undercover sting with the Cook County Sheriff's Office this week. Robin Robinson takes an in-depth look at the business of sex trafficking.
Some Chicago-area men were arrested in an undercover sting with the Cook County Sheriff's Office this week. Robin Robinson takes an in-depth look at the business of sex trafficking.
Monday, May 20 2013 10:42 PM EDT2013-05-21 02:42:18 GMT
Omar Morales feels lucky to be here for his son Joshua's 10th birthday on Monday. Morales was one of the passengers on board a USAir flight that made an emergency landing at Newark Liberty.
Omar Morales feels lucky to be here for his son Joshua's 10th birthday on Monday. Morales was one of the passengers on board a USAir flight that made an emergency landing at Newark Liberty.
Monday, May 20 2013 10:28 PM EDT2013-05-21 02:28:23 GMT
After Assemblyman Vito Lopez resigned over claims of serial sexual harassment of female staffers, attention turned to whether powerful Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver should continue his leadership.
After Assemblyman Vito Lopez resigned over claims of serial sexual harassment of female staffers, attention turned to whether powerful Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver should continue his leadership.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:05 PM EDT2013-05-20 23:05:15 GMT
A private country club opened its golf course to the public for a charity tournament to raise money for Superstorm Sandy relief. The Westlake Golf and Country Club in Jackson hosted the event on May 13,
A private country club opened its golf course to the public for a charity tournament to raise money for Superstorm Sandy relief. The Westlake Golf and Country Club in Jackson hosted the event on May 13,
Monday, May 20 2013 6:30 PM EDT2013-05-20 22:30:03 GMT
Repair work on tracks that were damaged in last week's train collision has progressed quickly enough that the MTA predicts restoring full service along the New Haven line by Wednesday morning.
Repair work on tracks that were damaged in last week's train collision has progressed quickly enough that the MTA predicts restoring full service along the New Haven line by Wednesday morning.
Monday, May 20 2013 6:05 PM EDT2013-05-20 22:05:22 GMT
A spate of hate-fueled attacks on gay men in New York, including a killing in the heart of one of its most gay-friendly neighborhoods, is stirring up anxiety, disbelief and outrage.
A spate of hate-fueled attacks on gay men in New York, including a killing in the heart of one of its most gay-friendly neighborhoods, is stirring up anxiety, disbelief and outrage.
Monday, May 20 2013 5:32 PM EDT2013-05-20 21:32:24 GMT
As a family prepared for the funeral of a Hofstra junior killed by a cop's bullet during a standoff with an armed intruder, questions remain about how police handled the situation.
As a family prepared for the funeral of a Hofstra junior killed by a cop's bullet during a standoff with an armed intruder, questions remain about how police handled the situation.
