Staff Reports
In a dramatic turn of events at the Chicago City Council, Mayor Brandon Johnson cast the tiebreaking vote against censuring Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa. The vote was split down the middle, with 24 council members in favor of punishing Ramirez-Rosa and 24 against. It was Johnson’s decision that ultimately prevented the censure.
Chicago Mayor Johnson casts tiebreaking vote against censure of disgraced ally in City Council https://t.co/6uCvTRmCdG
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) November 8, 2023
The controversy began when Ramirez-Rosa, who serves as the mayor’s floor leader, used his body to block Alderwoman Emma Mitts from entering the council chambers. This incident occurred just minutes before a procedural vote on whether to include a proposal regarding Chicago’s sanctuary city status on the ballot in March. Ramirez-Rosa was opposed to the referendum, which would have put the city’s sanctuary status, in place for over 30 years, up for public debate.
Critics accused Ramirez-Rosa of physically blocking Mitts and demanded his resignation from both his leadership roles. Alderman Raymond Lopez, among others, called for Johnson to take action. The Chicago Aldermanic Black Caucus also spoke out against Ramirez-Rosa’s “bullying, physical and verbal harassment” of Mitts.
Mitts, who voted against the censure measure, addressed the incident during a council meeting, expressing her gratitude for Ramirez-Rosa’s apology but emphasizing that actions speak louder than words. Ramirez-Rosa issued a public apology to Mitts and his colleagues, acknowledging his disrespectful behavior and attempting to make amends with a hug.
While the incident has caused division within the City Council, it serves as a reminder that decorum, respect, and the ability to professionally disagree should guide the actions of public servants. It is important for the council to learn from this incident and set a better example for the citizens of Chicago.
The actions of Alderman Ramirez-Rosa are deeply concerning and unacceptable. The fact that Mayor Johnson chose to side with him and prevent the censure shows a lack of strong leadership and a disregard for the consequences of such behavior. Bullying and physical harassment have no place in politics, and those who engage in such actions should face appropriate consequences. It is disappointing to see the Democratic mayor turn a blind eye to this behavior, further highlighting the need for change and accountability within the Chicago City Council.
