I am writing to advocate for the implementation of a mayoral recall mechanism in Chicago — a reform that is both necessary and long overdue. While many Midwestern states provide their voters with the power to hold elected officials accountable, Chicago notably lacks this essential democratic tool.
The Illinois Constitution permits the framework for a mayoral recall; however, it has never been exercised in the history of our city. This lack of action is troubling, particularly in light of recent incidents that have undermined public trust, such as the cover-up of the Laquan McDonald shooting and questionable financial dealings associated with city governance. Recent actions by Mayor Brandon Johnson further underscore the urgent need for a recall process. His failure to fully disclose his connections to the Chicago Teachers Union during his campaign raises significant ethical concerns.
Furthermore, his attempts to undermine the leadership of Chicago Public Schools and to promote potentially harmful financial initiatives reveal a disconnect from the community he is elected to serve. Arguments that characterize recalls as costly and disruptive overlook their critical role in ensuring accountability among elected officials. It is imperative that Chicagoans have the means to remove leaders who violate the public’s trust; delaying action until the next election cycle is not a viable option.
The establishment of a recall process would not only enhance the relationship between elected officials and their constituents but also empower citizens to demand responsible governance. Chicago deserves leadership that is transparent, accountable and attuned to the needs of its residents. Now is the moment for collective action in support of this vital reform. It is essential that we assert our rights and ensure our voices are heard in the decision-making processes that shape our city.
Daniel Boland, executive director, Committee for Chicago Mayor Recall
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‘Move fast and break things’ doesn’t work with scientific research
The Silicon Valley mantra “move fast and break things” epitomizes rapid, disruptive innovation and a mindset of aggressive trial and error. Although this approach can succeed in tech — where quick feedback loops and user data accelerate product evolution — it poses serious risks when indiscriminately applied to the U.S. scientific research enterprise. Science hinges on rigor: meticulous methodology, careful data collection and robust peer review. Each discovery builds on a foundation of verifiable evidence — a process at odds with the shortcuts baked into a “move fast” mentality.
A core strength of U.S. science lies in its stable, long-term funding infrastructure, notably through agencies like the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation and the Department of Energ (DOE). These institutions award multi-year grants because research programs — especially in fields like physics or the life sciences — often take years or decades to mature. Transformative breakthroughs rarely emerge from short-lived, high-speed gambits. Disrupting these steady funding cycles can shutter laboratories, derail ongoing projects and discourage future scientists from pursuing research careers, thus thinning the pipeline of innovation.
While innovation and risk-taking have historically propelled American achievements — such as the Apollo program and life-saving vaccines — these successes rested on a bedrock of careful research protocols, sustained financial support and thorough peer review. Complex endeavors like developing pediatric cancer treatments or mapping the human brain cannot be rushed. They require a stable ecosystem of funding, well-supported labs, and teams dedicated to methodical inquiry.
If the “move fast and break things” ethos erodes this carefully constructed infrastructure, the consequences could be dire. Currently, the NIH granting process has been ground to a halt by the current administration. By undermining the long-term investments and rigorous processes that underpin scientific progress, we risk losing the very foundation on which groundbreaking discoveries are built.
Carole LaBonne, president, Society for Developmental Biology and professor of molecular biosciences, Northwestern University
“Official” language lessons
President Donald Trump’s executive order making English the official language of the United States is a welcome move for those seeking to take our country back to its roots. Some may call this move a nod to Trump’s white nationalist supporters, but real Americans know better.
It is not as if Spanish has been spoken here since 1513, while English first was spoken here in 1607.
The president should also make it clear that foreign languages like Cherokee, Algonquin, Navajo and Lakota have no place here.
We are getting back to our national origins, not being racist, right?
Caise D. Hassan, Loop
Small landlords have challenges, too
The recent WBEZ story on why rents are rising missed an important point. I own a three-flat in Evanston and try not to raise rents more than needed. I see my apartments as homes for tenants and value long-term rentals. However, rising property taxes, rising utility costs, rising maintenance and repair costs, rising insurance rates and city rental fees force me to raise rents to break even.
The article mentions the disappearance of two-to-four unit rental buildings, but failed to mention the burdens these rising expenses put on small landlords.
Betsy Downs, Rogers Park
Date that will live in shame
Dec. 7, 1941, the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Franklin D. Roosevelt said, it was “a date which will live in infamy.”
Feb. 28, 2025, Donald Trump said Volodymyr Zelenskyy: “You don’t have the cards, you’re gambling with World War III.” That is a date that will live in shame
Elizabeth Butler Marren, Beverly
Scary photo
Wow. The up-close look of the sea lamprey in Sunday’s newspaper certainly woke me up. That is the stuff that nightmares are made of.
Sandra Minor, McHenry