Daley: 'Diversify work job sites, or, I'll shut you down'

Daley: `Diversify work job sites, or, I'll shut you down'

Saying it's the right thing to do, Mayor Richard M. Daley issued a warning to all contractors doing business with the city that if they don't diversify their work sites, he'll shut them down.

During an editorial board meeting held at the Chicago Defender, Daley agreed with Black aldermen, some of whom have shut down work sites that are all white.

Referring to the aldermen and recently CTA officials who shut down a job site in Ald. Michael Chandler's (24th) Ward, Daley said their actions were "rightfully so....

"I don't want somebody coming in [working on these sites] from Oak Park or Elgin...." Rather, Daley said he wants workers from Chicago's communities.

And, if contractors don't diversify their job sites, he'll "close them down." He wants "people from the community. This is fair. That is something we have to demand more of...."

Daley recently attended the fourth Building New Partnerships (BNP) conference series for M/WBE.

"The explosive growth of the Internet has enabled many companies, large and small to use online technologies for research, marketing, sales, quality control, and as a method to evaluate services and products," said Daley.

"Companies today must embrace computer technology and be abreast of how this technology is changing the marketplace or face the consequences of not adapting, which could translate into lost customers and revenue."

Year-to-date, Daley said the city's M/WBE figures show there is a 41 percent increase in dollars that were awarded to minority and women owned businesses.

With his Chief Procurement Officer David Malone, Deputy Purchasing Officer Troy Ratliff, and Jay Nussbaum, senior vice president of Oracie by his side, Daley said: "As a city, we remain committed to not only achieving and `exceeding' goals of minority and women business participation, but providing information and resources to help these businesses grow."

Daley also appealed to congress to pass an economic stimulus package he says is needed to revive a limping economy after the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks which have resulted in massive layoffs in several industries especially the airlines and the hotels.

The mayor said mayors across the nation cannot fight this economy alone and that federal assistance is critical to the revival of negatively impacted budgets; yet, because of constant threats of terrorism, they have to beef up their security at taxpayers cost.

On CHA, Daley said he is satisfied that the transformation plan is on track but the federal government has to do more to fund anti-drug programs that are helping to turn lives around like the one in the 24th Ward.

Drugs, he said, "is a terrible plague." Daley issued a challenge to the federal government to do as they are doing in tracking down Osama bin Laden's infamous al Qaeda network funds for area druggies.

"Why can't the federal government follow the money trail. I can arrest every dope dealer you want, but, if they don't follow the money trail.... You have to follow the money."

Daley asked how can the feds chase down the al Qaeda's money and "they can't find a drug dealer who's making $60,000-a-week, drives the best of cars, best girl friend, jewelry, buys a home and has all of these things going. We Chicagoans can find them."

Daley said he's offered to give them a list of the culprits. "This is simple...net worth. How can a person say he doesn't work but does all these things...."

Article Copyright Sengstacke Enterprises, Inc.

Photo (Richard M. Daley)