Privatization of public resources and services
The city's primary responsibility is to ensure that the public has equitable access to its services and assets, and my responsibility as Mayor will be to protect these for future generations. Therefore, I am generally opposed to the privatization of public assets and resources.
The City of Chicago has embarked on the dangerous path of giving away its revenue generating assets to private interests, and is consequently losing revenue and control of its public infrastructure systems. However, there is a difference between government relinquishing control of its assets and partnering with private firms with the capacity to produce public goods.
In some instances, it makes sense for City government to partner with private industries to produce public infrastructure (e.g. contracting road improvements, sewer installations, etc.) provided that we establish a diligent protocol to approve only those contracts that ensure proven efficiency, quality, and cost effectiveness and that prioritize contracts with the least negative impact on surrounding communities. But it is not in the best interest of the public to turn over the provision of social goods and services to private interests. Doing so often decreases the opportunity for appropriate scrutiny over vital details such as spending, service quality and hiring.
If a private entity can profit from providing a service, then the city should be able to improve its capacity to do the same. But, in cases where privatization is our last resort, I will establish strong oversight that ensures that any costs savings claimed by privatization are demonstrable for the term of the contract, and do not come at the expense of service quality for city residents or employees’ ability to earn a living wage. Any leases or contracts that deprive the city of long term control of and benefit from its assets, as exemplified by the parking meter deal, will not be approved. All contracts will be limited to twenty years or less and subject to City oversight. I will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of city service delivery, establishing opportunities for checks and balances, including public input, City Council scrutiny and independent impact analyses.Privatization of public resources and services - Jesus "Chuy" Garcia for Mayor of Chicago:
