CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Standing on Daley Plaza, Bob Fioretti, who’s challenging Toni Preckwinkle for county board president, flatly accused Democratic officials of setting the stage for violent crime with lenient policies.
He described the incumbent Preckwinkle as the "architect" of the crime surge, along with her former protege State’s Attorney Kim Foxx.
Lupe Aguirre, GOP candidate for County Sheriff, echoed the sentiments and said criminals feel emboldened now.
When asked what they would do differently, though, Fioretti said bring more jobs, and Aguirre said more recruitment of police. Both are long-term solutions.
In the short term:
“I think we can address mental health issues that are out there immediately, reopening all the clinics that Rahm and Preckwinkle closed,” Fioretti said.
Aguirre had another answer.
“Short term: Public officials need to stop vilifying police officers, plain and simple,” Aguirre said. “Law enforcement is needed. The sooner we stop doing that, the sooner the streets are going to get better.”
They were joined by several candidates for Cook County Commissioner.
