Fioretti: No Public Land For Obama Presidential Library
(CBS) -- Two of Mayor Emanuel's political challengers are questioning his support of the plan that offers Park District property as the home of the planned Barack Obama Presidential Library and Museum, reports WBBM Political Editor Craig Dellimore.
Mayoral candidate and Alderman Bob Fioretti says he wants the Obama Library in Chicago, but no public land should be used for it, period.
"Here they are talking about taking over 40 acres of park land away to put a library," Fioretti said. "Our open space is not for sale. Washington Park, Jackson Park are not for sale."
Rival challenger and county commissioner Jesus "Chuy" Garcia doesn't flatly rule out using park land, but urges caution.
"Sometimes you have to take special care when you are talking about land that has been deemed everyone's right to enjoy," Garcia said.
Hearings into the use of public land for the library are expected to begin soon.
Mayor Emanuel's campaign spokesman Steve Mayberry released a statement saying, "The Mayor is actively working with both UIC and U. of C. to ensure their bids meet the high bar set by the President's Foundation. While some are using this unparalleled economic and educational investment for political gain, the Mayor's goal remains clear: to get President Barack Obama's presidential library in Chicago."