PI Original Josh Kalven Tuesday March 31st, 2009, 9:31am

Preckwinkle And The Parking Meters

Many attribute Mike Quigley's victory in the 5th Congressional District primary to his criticism of Todd Stroger's sales tax increase.  After all, it was the centerpiece of his campaign: The majority of the Quigley mail pieces played up his vote against the tax hike and ...

Many attribute Mike Quigley's victory in the 5th Congressional District primary to his criticism of Todd Stroger's sales tax increase.  After all, it was the centerpiece of his campaign: The majority of the Quigley mail pieces played up his vote against the tax hike and his sole TV ad focused on the issue as well.  

Could the Chicago parking meter privatization be just as potent a political issue?  Chicagoans are furious about Mayor Daley's leasing of the meters and the resulting rate hikes.  Meanwhile, only five aldermen voted against the 2008 ordinance approving the lease. One of them was Toni Preckwinkle (4th Ward), who recently announced that she will challenge Todd Stroger for county board president next year.  In the second half of her appearance on WFLD's Good Morning Chicago yesterday, she highlighted her opposition to the plan, questioning whether it was a "good deal for the taxpayers":

So will the outrage over the meters persist until the 2010 primary?  If the ongoing sales tax anger is any indication, the answer is most likely yes.

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