Dealmaking Has Become An Unfortunate Way Of Life In Chicago

For me, the City Council moment that sums up the spirit of Chicago occurred in the wee hours of December 2, 1987.

No, no, you’ve got to give a little something to get a little something. We not only tolerate this condition, we’ve come to like it in a sadomasochistic sort of way.

Of course, I assumed the aldermen got something from Daley for their anti-Reilly votes. Sure enough, one alderman told me his ward got a soccer field. Another said Daley promised TIF funds for a favorite project. But one alderman swore up and down he got nothing.

“But the streets are supposed to be plowed anyway,” I responded.