Why did the mayor fire community safety leaders?

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Chicago Tribune Opinion Thursday, March 26, 2026

Happy opening day to one and all! The editorial board lauds a day reserved for optimists, as the Cubs open their season at Wrigley Field in blissfully warm temps for this time of year. In a second editorial, the board ponders the bizarre decision by Mayor Brandon Johnson to fire the two men in his office principally responsible for overseeing a public-safety campaign widely viewed as successful. Willie Wilson, who writes for us regularly, calls on Gov. JB Pritzker (as well as local officeholders) to suspend the gas tax for 60 days to provide some relief to folks on fixed incomes and lower-income households. Andy Shaw, former journalist and government watchdog, writes that Democrats' tax-the-rich plans keep foundering on voters' mistrust that revenues will be spent well. He has some ideas for overcoming that trust deficit. And a Wheaton nurse has a piece questioning why health insurance premiums are rising so much when insurers are so profitable. Our readers have some thoughtful letters on the killing of Loyola freshman Sheridan Gorman, which has caused so much anguish. I highly recommend you check them out. We'll be back tomorrow. Go Cubs (and Sox)! — Steve Daniels, editorial board member Submit an op-ed | Submit a letter to the editor | Meet the Tribune Editorial Board | Subscribe to this newsletter Editorial: On the mayor's bizarre move to fire Chicago's deputy mayor for community safety We believe Garien Gatewood's story on why Mayor Brandon Johnson fired him. Read more → Editorial: Cubs opening day, hopeful forecast and, hey!, hey!, we're optimistic The Cubs and White Sox begin their 2026 campaigns today, and hope springs eternal. Read more → Barbara Hoare: As premiums overwhelm Illinoisans, health care insurers are flush with cash It is indefensible that a health insurer can award eight-figure salaries while households absorb devastating premium hikes. Read more → Willie Wilson: Gov. JB Pritzker should suspend Illinois' gas tax for 60 days With a relaxing of state, county and city gas taxes for 60 days, Chicago motorists could save nearly a $1 per gallon. Read more → Andy Shaw: Tax the super-rich? Not if Illinoisans distrust the government. Can Illinoisans trust self-serving politicians to actually use tax windfalls to improve lives other than their own? Read more → Letters: Killing of Loyola student and TSA chaos demonstrate the failures of government When government deprioritizes enforcement and treats public safety as negotiable, the results eventually reach ordinary people. Read more →

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