It's rare when a Chicago alderman makes news for something other than a federal indictment, much less when one does something, well, rather spectacular.
But the Chicago Tribune reports today that 1st Ward Ald. Proco "Joe" Moreno just told Chick-fil-A, in da fine Chicagoese expression, go east til your hat floats.
Moreno said he is rejecting Chick-fil-A's application to open in the Logan Square neighborhood (on da Nort'west Side), and doesn't mince words about it:
"Because of this man's ignorance, I will now be denying Chick-fil-A's permit to open a restaurant in the 1st Ward."
Perhaps more surprising to some here, Mayor Rahm Emanuel supports Moreno:
The alderman has the ideological support of Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
"Chick-fil-A values are not Chicago values," the mayor said in a statement when asked about Moreno's decision. "They disrespect our fellow neighbors and residents. This would be a bad investment, since it would be empty."
Aldermen here usually have wide latitude when it comes to approving projects in their wards. I'm guessing Moreno's colleagues won't discard that privilege in this case.
I don't live in Moreno's ward, but well done, sir. Well done.