Johnson, Vallas Clarify Comments Made About Public Safety

Both candidates running for Chicago mayor are clarifying past comments about police.  During a UIC Forum last night, Brandon Johnson was asked about a comment he made in 2020 calling defunding police a “goal.”  The Cook County commissioner said defunding the police was a political goal, but claimed he never said it was his.  Paul Vallas was asked about statements he made in the past about “taking the handcuffs off” of police so they can do their jobs.  The former CPS CEO responded by saying that he has talked about restoring proactive policing that is consistent with the consent decree.