Overview
- The Fox 32 debate surfaced sharp differences on taxes, President Trump and the county’s long-troubled property tax technology overhaul.
- Preckwinkle emphasized fights against Trump on funding and immigration enforcement and accused Reilly of cozy ties, while he pointed to past public opposition to ICE and said he forwarded a 2010 Trump donation to advocacy groups.
- Reilly blamed the tax system upgrade for costly delays he estimated at $122 million, as Preckwinkle announced spring bills would go out on time and defended the Tyler Technologies contract that officials still expect to extend.
- Reilly tied Preckwinkle to Mayor Brandon Johnson and city tax hikes as she highlighted stronger county bond ratings, pensions and reserves, and she declined to endorse Johnson for another term.
- On public safety, Reilly pressed for tighter electronic monitoring after a high-profile attack, while Preckwinkle cited a four-year 50% drop in murders and noted pending adjustments under Chief Judge Charles Beach ahead of the March 17 Democratic primary.