Mayoral candidate Willie Wilson wants to cut taxes, lure new businesses to Chicago
CHICAGO (CBS) -- At age 74, millionaire businessman Willie Wilson could just take it easy and retire. Instead, he's running for mayor of Chicago for a third time, on a platform that includes cutting taxes and backing police.
CBS 2 Political Investigator Dana Kozlov asked him how he'd do that.
"There ain't no way I'm gonna abandon our police officers. Ain't no way," Wilson said.
Wilson said reducing crime is his number one priority; a main reason he's running for mayor again. Part of his plan? Easing up on certain policing policies.
Kozlov asked what specific policies he would loosen.
"You got one, the chase. The other one, they need their off days. The other one is, like, the people who was let go in terms of COVID-19; didn't take the shot," Wilson said.
Wilson also wants to bring back some retired Chicago police officers and raise the retirement age from 63 to 65 if it helps keep people on the force. He would not necessarily replace current Police Supt. David Brown.
"I would put four superintendents of police … set up in four segments, and hold them accountable," Wilson said.
Wilson said he also believes in police accountability through collaboration. That word – collaboration – applies to how Wilson says he would work with labor unions and other city departments. And Wilson has said, repeatedly, he'd cut taxes.
"We'll try to lower real estate taxes. The red light cameras is a form of taxes," Wilson said. "Head taxes. Things of that nature."
How does he plan to do all that and not leave the city with a massive budget shortfall?
"You got to look at it this way; if you don't go the other way, you're not going to last. Period," Wilson said.
Would he reduce the number city employees to offset cutting taxes, as well?
"I wouldn't say that. I think I would bring new taxes in by new businesses," Wilson said.
Wilson has gained attention over the past couple of years for his million-dollar gas giveaways, including some that occurred after he announced he was running for mayor. He dismissed any suggestions of a conflict of interests or the appearance he was trying to buy votes.
"I'm not trying to buy a vote. Plus, I'm not using taxpayer dollars," he said. "I think the people who says that, I could care less about them. Honest to God truth.
Wilson also wants to set aside a percentage of taxes from new businesses to create a hardship fund to help people with things like paying property taxes.
One thing people might not know about him? Wilson said he would never forsake another human being for personal gain.
