Mayor Brandon Johnson’s so-called Protecting Renters Ordinance is a cynical effort to garner votes among those who are ignorant of economic realities.
Without a doubt, Chicago is experiencing a deplorable lack of affordable housing. But this proposed ordinance will increase the operating costs to large and small landlords alike without having any impact on the supply of new rental units. It is economically naive to believe that landlords will just absorb the substantial legal and relocation costs generated by this ordinance without adding in these costs when it’s time to decide on future rent increases.
I don’t think the mayor is unaware of how markets operate. I think he hopes that by the time these increased costs are passed on to renters he may have succeeded in his reelection bid.
Mark Kaulas, Edgewater
Half-hearted enthusiasm won’t keep Bears in Illinois
I have been a Bears fan since the 1960s. I’m looking forward to the upcoming season with great enthusiasm. I must say that the continuous banter about future stadium plans is getting very nauseating. The Bears are a business in the extremely profitable NFL. As a business, the franchise is seeking to build a new stadium that will benefit the organization. They purchased land in Arlington Heights to achieve that goal. The state Legislature, the city of Chicago and the governor have done little to nothing to ensure construction of a new stadium in Illinois, so Indiana saw an opportunity to try and lure the Bears away.
Unlike Illinois, Indiana sees a great business opportunity by building a new stadium. A new domed stadium could have other uses than hosting regular and postseason NFL games. It could host NCAA Final Fours, college football championships, Republican and Democratic conventions, etc.
The amenities at Soldier Field are not very fan-friendly. Chicago politicians keep claiming territorial ownership while fighting with the state Legislature on where the Bears should play. The land has been purchased. The location is favorable, with tollway access and public transportation. The land has potential to generate income for a state that could certainly benefit from it. Let’s hope the state Legislature can stop burying its heads in the sand and convince the Bears to build a new stadium in Arlington Heights before Indiana persuades them first.
Rick Kalin, Belmont Heights
Perfect prose for our times
I applaud Sun-Times reader Nathan Kempthorne for his great letter/poem on the state of the country under Donald Trump. It hit every nail on the head and was quite informative. He obviously hasn’t been drinking the Trump Kool-Aid. Thank you, Mr. Kempthorne.
Richard Orrico, Melrose Park