Is this the model we will follow the next four years?

[shocrates]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-chicago-budget-analysis-06-oct06,0,6345754.story

There are a few lines in this story that should scare the poopy out of you. Would any of my conservative brethern like to guess what they are?

[RoyalShock]

For me:

Those expenses are only going up since Daley agreed last year to a 10-year contract with dozens of labor unions. The deal guarantees continued pay increases that far outstrip inflation.

Mayors should not have this type of power. It should be voted on by the governing body. Besides that, those labor contracts are crazy. $44/hr? Double-time for basic overtime? 12 sick days with carryover? 12 paid holidays?

Daley says he is making plans, coming up with a formula to tackle the problem not just this year, but for the next four or five years, because he believes that the nation is entering an extended recession that will only worsen.

Asked what those plans are, Daley replied to reporters: "I'm not telling you."

Should be obvious. Apparently, Mr. Mayor doesn't think the public who "voted" him into office needs to know what he's up to.

[shocrates]

How about this beauty:

No other municipality in the state has a higher real estate transfer tax than Chicago', according to the Chicago Association of Realtors.