Daley defends 'big box' veto

Would you rather have a job or protesting with no job?

Here we go again.

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With dozens of protestors shouting nearby, Mayor Richard Daley gave an impassioned speech today to explain why he vetoed the big-box ordinance.

Standing at the site of a proposed Target store on the Far South Side, Daley said no one protested when large retailers such as Wal-Mart and Target opened in the suburbs.

"Not one person objected to any type of store in the suburban area," Daley said. "No one said, 'Mayor, you're wrong. No one said the aldermen are wrong. No one said the community (was) wrong, or church leaders. Only in the West Side, only in the South Side."

The supporters, nearly all of them African Americans from community organizations, erupted in cheers.

Rev. Leon Finney of The Woodlawn Organization, which helped pack the press conference with African American supporters Tuesday, lauded the mayor and the aldermen who will stand with him.

"We've been working for 10 years trying to get a big box on 63rd Street," Finney said, calling the area a "desolate wasteland." He added, "And by the grace of God hopefully there will be a big box on 63rd Street.

"Mr. Mayor, I want to say this to you: I've served under and worked with more mayors than I care to remember. And I don't remember, though, a time that I was more proud of this city," Finney said. "I want to thank you and every alderman that stood with you and those that will stand with you and refuse to override this veto. I want to thank you. I want to thank because now we have a chance to rebuild our community."

Daley said his decision to issue the first veto of his 17-year tenure was based on fairness, pointing to a map that showed big box stores ringing the city.

He said he understands that people are upset with stagnant wages at a time when Wall Street executives make millions. But he said the minimum wage must be raised at the state or federal level so that local disparities are not created.

"The result of this ordinance would not be better wages and benefits for workers in Chicago," Daley said. "Instead, it would drive out business, jobs and revenue from our city."

The pro-labor community group Acorn sent buses with dozens of protestors to the site of the press conference at 119th and the Dan Ryan Expressway.

"Seven dollars ain't enough!" the protestors shouted.

By Mickey Ciokajlo
Tribune staff reporter