In Chicago, politics trumps
sports, even, so it should come as no surprise that a little politicking broke
out at the Cubs Convention over the weekend.
At issue was who should represent the ward home to Wrigley Field.
The incumbent is Tom Tunney, who’s
represented the 44th Ward since 2003. Tunney is a native South Sider, which may be
part of his problem with the Ricketts’ family.
He’s also a small businessman, another possible reason he has a bullseye
on his back. Tunney has defended food
and entertainment venues that haven’t jumped on the Ricketts-Wrigleyville
development bandwagon for fear that it will roll over them. And the Cubs don’t like that.
Why, Wrigley Field is a “huge
economic driver for this city,” team president of business operations Crane
Kenney said at the convention on Saturday, and you wouldn’t want to mess with
that, now would you? Julian Green, team VP
of communications, thinks Tunney spends too much time on Wrigley-related
issues. “Why is he focused more on the Cubs
versus crime, schools and education?” Green was quoted in Sunday’s Tribune.
As if the folks at Clark and Addison
could give a hoot about crime, schools and education. They initially wanted Wrigley Field’s
renovation to be done on the public dime, which would seem to take away money
available for schools and police. And
these are the people who want to shut down traffic around the park, fallout on
North Side traffic patterns be damned. So,
forgive my skepticism over this sudden outburst of civic-mindedness.
The Cubs are accusing Tunney of
being beholden to special interests in the ward. If they were being honest, the Ricketts would
admit they’re upset Tunney isn’t beholden to their special interests most of
all.
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