Chicago Sun-Times [5] columnist Mary Mitchell checks in on growing dissatisfaction in Jackson's ward. Voters say they're fed up with the level of crime and the fact that the alderman, the wife of Jesse Jackson Jr., spends most of her time in Washington, D.C.
Ald. Sandi Jackson (7th) has got to go.
That's the goal of a group that is fed up with crime and mayhem in the ward.
On Wednesday, Jackson squashed reports that she is contemplating resigning even though she spends much of her time in Washington, D.C.
"I am not resigning. I am here. I am working," Jackson told reporters. I intend to finish my term unless something catastrophic happens."
But some constituents are no longer willing to settle for a commuter alderman.
A group of South Shore residents have launched the #SackSandi campaign to focus attention on Jackson's alleged neglect of the ward.
"If we are quiet, Jackson will think she can do anything," said Mia Henry, an eight-year ward resident who is leading the effort. "This shouldn't even be allowable. We have to put her on notice. A lot of people would like to see change."
Henry said she doesn't want to run for office. What she wants is "responsible and accountable" leadership in South Shore.
Keiana Barrett, Jackson's chief of staff, pointed out that she has dual residency, maintaining a home on Dupont Circle in D.C., and another home in South Shore.
"That has always been the case," Barrett said. "She has a commuter situation. She is here during the week and travels to D.C. on weekends in most cases."
Under current law it would take wild horses to drag an alderman out of office ...
Jackson has the highest absentee rate in the Chicago City Council.
Three of the alderman's five absences were before her husband's illness became public, according to a report on WTTW.
By contrast, her husband, before his medical leave, had one of the highest voting records in Congress.
Read Mary Mitchell's entire piece at the Chicago Sun-Times [5].
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