An open letter to Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson

Mayor Brandon Johnson, I know it is a tough job, and you are, for sure, doing your best.

As someone who is rooting for you, and of course wishing only the best for our great city of Chicago, I have put together—just for you—a list of the top ten things you should put on your "to do" list.

If you have any questions about the items below or more suggestions, have your people call my people. We can do lunch.

OK, here we go:

1)     First and absolutely foremost… and you should’ve done this on Day 1… is tear down that ugly Trump sign on Trump Tower! Just rip it off like a big Band-Aid. I don’t care if city regulations state “it must be there, as part of an agreement,” —some laws are made to be broken, and this would definitely be one of those. Tear that thing down! (Hint: Do it in the middle of the night and without any prior notification, just like Mayor Daley did many years ago when he tore up Meigs Field airport.)

 2)     Tell Arlington Heights and Indiana to cool their jets.  Our beloved Chicago Bears football team is staying right here in the city—at Soldier Field or some other downtown location. Find a way to get the funding. Fans will pitch in. I am good for $25.

3)      Hire some buses to go to the “burbs” and bring families downtown for the day. Give them a free ride back and forth and let themtour the city. Most in the suburbs don’t want the hassle of parking and the traffic congestion, so coming into the city becomes a real hassle. But a free trip? For the whole family? Ride provided both ways? They might take up that offer, and you now have an entirely new group of peoplecomingdowntown. They might spend a little money while here,  and once dazzled by the treasures of the lakefront, museums, restaurants, shopping, etc., they will be sure to come back! 

4)       Walk the streets. Get out in public and see and feel what the rest of us experience. Staydowntown, or go to any neighborhood in the city. Be as visible as your time allows. You, despite what we read in newspapers, are a pretty charismatic,  likeable guy. Getting out and “meeting and greeting” the folks out on the streets could work for you in a number of ways. 

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 5)       Have a televised panel discussion, but not with the typical experts or celebrities. Instead, have one featuring some of the homeless or struggling folks in our city. Many of them are well-spoken and can communicate with real insight aboutsome of the difficulties that exist for them and others. This would be great for audiences to watch and/or listen to. 

6)      Make a guest appearance at a Chicago Snowballs game this season. Who are the Chicago Snowballs? They are the new baseball team that is a take-off on the Savannah Bananas. Who are the Savannah Bananas? C’mon now, mayor,I am sure you have seen this new entertainment sensation. Think the Harlem Globetrotters, but playing baseball instead of basketball. They are going to be the next “big thing” here in the city, so get on board early while good seats are still available.

7)     Hire a comedian to appear at the next City Council meeting. These meetings have gotten so contentious and so combative lately that you, the mayor, may need to loosen things up just a bit. A little light humor may be just what is needed—but warning: He or she had better be good. The aldermen have not been in a laughing mood of late.

8)     Go on a weekend retreat with Gov. Pritzker. Just the two of you. No aides, no advisors. Just some nice quiet reflection time. Both of you have similar views on so many things, yet of late, you seem to be growing  apart. A little alone time might be just the ticket for improved relations between the two of you.  Maybe try some fishing during the day and a little “Kumbayah” by the campfire at night.  Couldn’t hurt.

9)     Take that Trump sign down fromTrump Tower! Did we mention that already? Sorry, but just wanted to make sure you didn't forget.

10)    Do an exclusive interview with Chicago Star Media! Not quite sure how that will help you—or the city—but it would be great for our website!  Quick note to our editor: If the mayor does respond, I get first dibs on the interview.