Last Friday's Green Corps graduation was an event of mixed emotions for me. As always, I was deeply inspired to witness this big achievement for those in the program, many ex-offenders. Here you can see where this year's program took place, in the exquisite Preston Bradley Hall in the Cultural Center (the Chicago Public Library in my youth). This venue was new: under the previous mayoral administration of Richard M. Daley, it took place at Garfield Park Conservatory. The mixed emotions were brought on by some changes under the new mayor, Rahm Emanuel. In Chicago, the Department of Environment (previously staffed by some pretty amazing people) no longer exists. So programs like this are now under the Department of Transportation. Many people have lost jobs and a few new folk are showing up. I especially enjoyed listening to the new CDOT Commissioner, Gabe Klein, who is known for starting to bring more sustainable transportation to Chicago, especially re: bikes. Change is in the air (especially with the plants about two months ahead of normal) and we shall see what it brings...
2 comments:
Putting programs like this under transportation is surely a bad sign. So glad to hear there are some good folks and things happening under Rahm. I have been hearing lots about him that does not sound promising for Chicago.
Unfortunately, since this event, the program is up in the air. It will certainly not continue as it has been, which is a real loss.
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