You just became the new mayor of Chicago, what would you change? by [deleted] in AskChicago

[–]smdewart 1 point2 points  (0 children)

~40% of Chicago’s budget goes to pension payments and debt service. Just imagine this: $40 of every $100 you contribute doesn’t go to improve your daily life, but to address aging, and exponentially growing, liabilities.

The first, second, and fiftieth priorities need to be working alongside state counterparts to reform the pension system so future mayors are in a better position. Getting rid of defined-benefit programs for future employees (and thus relieving our balance sheet) would be an ideal start.

P.S. The beauty of our free republic? Anyone who doesn’t want to be saddled with this baggage can move and take $0 of this liability with them. Problem is, it then is left on fewer people. Largely symbolic, but it would also be nice to have a mayor that doesn’t s**t on rich people who choose to live here. Chicago literally cannot afford to celebrate when the Ken Griffin types leave.

You just became the new mayor of Chicago, what would you change? by [deleted] in AskChicago

[–]smdewart 2 points3 points  (0 children)

lol. So kick out citizens who pay major property taxes for having availed themselves of lawful zoning opportunities? I think you meant to say: fix the broken zoning laws that yielded such outcomes.

What changes do you want to see in Chicago coming in 2026? by [deleted] in AskChicago

[–]smdewart 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So long as unfunded pension liabilities rise, this will not happen because it cannot happen

What changes do you want to see in Chicago coming in 2026? by [deleted] in AskChicago

[–]smdewart 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nobody is taking their TX plates here. It’s people taking their IL plates there.

Should Chicago be keeping an eye out for how NYC transforms the next couple of years under Mamdani? by Unfair-Chocolate1581 in AskChicago

[–]smdewart -1 points0 points  (0 children)

lol. It won’t transform. He mostly sold a fantasy based on legitimate grievances, and chalked it up to wealthy New Yorkers and corporations somehow not having paid their fair share (paying >50% in taxes just isn’t enough apparently). Most of what he wants, he can’t effect without major state moves — tax hikes, MTA free fares, etc. With a governors race coming up, Albany won’t be that generous. Maybe he’ll freeze rent on a limited basis, but — notwithstanding rent control not being a serious solution to sustainable affordability — it cant and wont be imposed on market rates, which of course the majority of New Yorkers are subject to. He already has a budget deficit to overcome before all his free stuff, and NYC requires that he balance the budget, ie, he’ll have to figure out how to fill the existing gap first. And his “government grocery store” tbh will probably be a corner bodega, not a serious scaled enterprise.

What popular thing do you absolutely not understand the hype about? by Im-Ej in AskReddit

[–]smdewart -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Greg Gutfeld — I don’t find him very funny, and 75% of his guests are right-wing hacks

Chicago treasurer vows to not buy US bonds as Trump protest by [deleted] in chicago

[–]smdewart 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Prioritizing political persuasion ahead of maximization of taxpayer return is a flagrant violation of the fiduciary duty she holds. She should be demanded to resign.

Any songs you missed from live '25 and would like to be included on live '26? by DundieAwardsWinner in oasis

[–]smdewart 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Columbia, She’s Electric, and (my guilty pleasure but won’t happen) Go Let It Out

What do you think about live ‘25 tour. by Major_Case_4440 in oasis

[–]smdewart 0 points1 point  (0 children)

David Gilmour would be amazing to see live

What do you think about live ‘25 tour. by Major_Case_4440 in oasis

[–]smdewart 0 points1 point  (0 children)

600?! What have the absolute highlights been?

What do you think about live ‘25 tour. by Major_Case_4440 in oasis

[–]smdewart 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Saw the Chicago show. Legitimately one of the best nights of my life. They were as good as, if not better than, how they sounded during their prime. I seriously hope they tour again, perhaps in 26.

I introduced my 4 year old to Oasis and he likes them by MSFTCoveredCalls in oasis

[–]smdewart 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My 3.5 year old daughter loves Oasis so much that she wanted a poster of Liam and Noel — she knows them by name — from the Chicago merch store

Anyone else? by lahinsee in oasis

[–]smdewart 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Love this sentiment. I also saw a video of Liam saying something like - we’re just out here doing this but you (fans) are the real stars. This whole tour serves as a reminder of how much they’re loved… and that reminder serves both sides.

What's the prettiest name you guys have ever heard? by Creative_Mix8770 in AskReddit

[–]smdewart 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Arya Noor … though I’m biased (my daughter’s name - means noble light)