Chicago is a glowing metropolis built on the dreams and shoulders of working class citizens. The essence of the city, photographed in glossy travel magazines with the Sears Tower in its skyline, is not the same city known to the homeless elderly man living on Wacker Drive. The city that is a business venture to world-class jet setters is not the same city known to inner-city school children. Chicago is indeed the classic tale of one city living two completely different lives.
Within the last 10 years, the city of Chicago has undergone significant development. Communities that were once crime-ridden are being transformed and businesses are moving to cash in on their revitalization. With the prospects of the Olympics possibly coming to Chicago, the city is undergoing a major transformation. However, as with any transformation there are always variables that are not included.
For instance, the new housing developments built in poor areas are pushing out area residents who are not able to compete with high property values. Where are they supposed to go? The working class is the backbone of Chicago. Chicago is an industrial town. The city remains a leading industrial center in the Midwest. There is too much attention placed on city development for people who account for a small fraction of the population.
The CTA budget-funding crisis will work against the city in many ways. The majority of the city’s labor force relies on the CTA to commute to work everyday. Even though it is the State of Illinois’ job to supply funding to the RTA (Metra, Pace, and CTA), the city could fight harder on the behalf of CTA. Chicago politics may seem boring and complicated at times but it is imperative citizens get involved. To understand the problems that dwell within Chicago’s city limits, it is important to become a watchdog of local news media. The local news media provide numerous voices and countless opinions of city government and its politics but it also develops a well-rounded comprehension of Chicago politics.
Citizens of the city of Chicago, it is time for a change. No longer can voices go unheard. This city is on the brink of facing severe economic, social and political change. It is up to the citizens of this great city to cultivate that change.