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* Dragging ComEd execs to a hearing to explain what the heck is going on may not be the end-all be-all, but it’s more than anyone at the Statehouse has come up with so far…
The hit to Commonwealth Edison’s political agenda from the federal investigation into its lobbying is being felt now in the city of Chicago in addition to Springfield.
With ComEd’s franchise agreement up for renewal for only the third time in more than 70 years, Mayor Lori Lightfoot is calling now for a public airing before City Council into ComEd’s political behavior as it and parent Exelon have secured a series of lucrative legislative victories in Springfield over the past eight years.
“I think there’s got to be a level of accountability that ComEd has to make publicly to make sure that we understand the magnitude of the problem there because clearly it’s a problem; it’s not just news reports and smoke,” Lightfoot said today in a taping of Bill Cameron’s “Connected to Chicago” program, which airs this coming Sunday morning on WLS. “There’s something real there, and there’s got to be a measure of accountability to the public on that. So we haven’t fully thought out what that would look like, but my expectation is we’re going to call them for some kind of hearing and make them answer some questions in the public about the broader framing of what they were doing, how they were using their shareholders’ dollars and give us assurances that we can be comfortable doing business with them.”
* Tribune…
It’s unclear whether Lightfoot actually has the appetite to seek to end the city’s agreement with ComEd. But she can certainly call ComEd officials on the carpet for a City Council hearing to make them sweat a bit while answering questions.
That she can.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Dec 11, 19 @ 9:43 am
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I am sure they will not be able to divulge much while the federal probe is pending.
Comment by Powdered Whig Wednesday, Dec 11, 19 @ 9:48 am
there were some down years, but my long-term investment strategy of candles and bicycles is looking better and better
Comment by tildef Wednesday, Dec 11, 19 @ 9:51 am
The shortcomings of electing a grandstanding lawyer mayor have been apparent for several months, but this move plays into the image voters had when the city overwhelmingly voted for her. We will see if if produces anything of meaning.
Comment by Rich Hill Wednesday, Dec 11, 19 @ 9:57 am
Yesterday we learned of the departure of one top Lightfoot lieutenant under investigation by the inspector general, the arrest and prosecution of a second for financial crimes, and the resignation of a third.
This announcement is a distraction, well played. But like the Lincoln Yards grandstanding, I am not setting my hopes very high.
Comment by Thomas Paine Wednesday, Dec 11, 19 @ 10:02 am
=== the departure of one top Lightfoot lieutenant under investigation===
Amateur Hubris…
To the play and politics to it, good on Lightfoot for doing this.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Dec 11, 19 @ 10:05 am
Smart move politically and legitimate. The franchise agreement provides ComEd billions of dollar and is a major source of revenue for the City. the citizens of Chicago deserve some answers from ComEd. It is also ComEd’s own fault that they haven’t been transparent about these issues.
Comment by Three Dimensional Checkers Wednesday, Dec 11, 19 @ 10:15 am
All show and no dough.. just a shorter version of Rahm
Comment by NotRich Wednesday, Dec 11, 19 @ 10:22 am
Reminds me of my favorite bad syllogism. “1. We must do something. 2. This is something. 3. Then we must do this.”
Comment by Not a Superstar Wednesday, Dec 11, 19 @ 11:10 am
Mayor Lightfoot wonders “how they were using their shareholders’ dollars”. I would think that she should worry about “how they were using their ratepayers’ dollars” too.
Comment by Lawman Wednesday, Dec 11, 19 @ 11:23 am
=== good on Lightfoot for doing this ===
Its a good Comms tactic, I am not so sure its a good Comms strategy.
IG’s usually don’t take kindly to having their victories buried. A message was sent by printing the snarky “this will all blow over” email from Lightfoot herself.
In the long run, Communications wars v. investigative powers, its usually the investigator that wins.
Comment by Thomas Paine Wednesday, Dec 11, 19 @ 12:18 pm