GIVE HIM A CABINET POST:

Daley plans job cuts, more privatization (FRAN SPIELMAN, November 5, 2004, Chicago Sun-Times)

Mayor Daley on Thursday tightened the bureaucratic belt by $50 million -- with job cuts, deferred pay raises and furlough days for managers and increased privatization -- before asking Chicagoans to pay higher taxes. [...]

Roughly 4,800 non-union employees at all pay levels will also have to wait until mid-2005 for the pay raises that typically mirror union contracts.

By making city garbage trucks operate more efficiently, discontinuing refuse collection at Chicago Public Schools and privatizing custodial services at O'Hare Airport, Daley hopes to reduce the city work force to 35,910 -- 4,200 fewer jobs than there were when he took office.

The payroll could be further reduced late next year when the city outsources the jobs of 100 meter readers and customer service employees in the city's Department of Water Management.

"I will continue to demand more from government before turning to taxpayers. And I will not allow the [$1.82 billion] Skyway agreement to become an excuse to avoid better managing government and cutting spending even further," Daley said.

Tommy Thompson is reportedly leaving HHS, offer it to the Mayor.

Posted by Orrin Judd at November 5, 2004 10:41 AM