Former Deputy Press Secretary Wishes Mayor Washington’s Coalition had Survived

Laura Washington
Laura Washington

Former Deputy Press Secretary Wishes Mayor Washington’s Coalition had Survived

By: Katherine Newman

In 1983 Laura Washington, a recent graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, was covering Harold Washington’s revolutionary mayoral campaign.

Soon after being elected, Mayor Washington appointed Laura

Washington to deputy press secretary.

Three decades later Laura Washington is a respected journalist locally and nationally. She currently works as a political analyst for ABC 7 and has been writing a column for the Chicago Sun-Times since 2001.

CITIZEN: Describe the relationship you had with Mayor Washington professionally and personally.

WASHINGTON: As a reporter, I covered his campaign. At that time, I worked for The Chicago Reporter. As a candidate, Washington campaigned using the reporting and data we gathered that documented the racial and income inequities, and promised to address them. I was proud that our reporting had that impact.

After covering his administration for a couple of years, I was recruited to be his deputy press secretary. I hoped it would be an extraordinary opportunity to help make history and change Chicago. It was.

CITIZEN: What kind of work did you do as Deputy Press Secretary?

WASHINGTON: I acted as a spokesperson for the mayor answering questions from the media, overseeing the day to day operations of the press office, including his speeches and briefings, research, the mayor’s appearances and events.

CITIZEN: In your opinion, what were Mayor Washington’s goals and where did he find his motivation?

WASHINGTON: He wanted to bring fairness and equity to the city, particularly to Chicagoans who had been shut out of opportunities, who had no voice in City Hall. Washington inspired and empowered the voiceless, by working strategically and aggressively to bring them to the tables of power. He fiercely believed that Chicago was far richer and stronger when all its citizens participated. He insisted on equity and access to the corridors of power for all. Harold Washington inspired through his boundless energy, keen political mind and love of the people. My favorite campaign pledge, which he used often:

“No one, but no one in this city, no matter where they live, or how they live, is free from the fairness of our administration. We’ll find you—and be fair to you, wherever you are.”

CITIZEN: How have your political views been influenced or changed because of your time as Deputy Press Secretary?

WASHINGTON: I learned a valuable journalistic lesson. As reporters, we tend to be cynical and distrustful of government officials.

We think we have the answers and that much of government is corrupt, that decisions are highly politicized. I learned, from the inside, that governing, and decision making is much more complex than it appears on the outside. There are no simple, easy answers in policy making. The

vast majority of government officials want to help people, and do the right thing.

CITIZEN: Looking back, what are you the most proud of and what would you do differently in regards to Mayor Washington’s time in office?

WASHINGTON: As the mayor’s spokesperson, I was always upfront and open with the media and the public. I never lied or misrepresented the facts or realities we faced in City Hall. We made mistakes—every administration does—but we tried to take ownership and responsibility.

I wish Harold Washington had more time for his reform agenda. I regret that the historic coalition he forged did not survive his death. His reform agenda was lost in the infighting and distrust that ensued after his death.

I wish he had taken better care of his health—he owed that to the city, and himself. That’s a crucial lesson all people of color should acknowledge.

CITIZEN: If Mayor Washington were here today what do you think he

would have to say about the current state of affairs in Chicago?

WASHINGTON: He would have been outraged by the conditions of our communities of color, that he fought so hard for. Economically and socially, many Chicago neighborhoods are more challenged than during the Washington era. He would be disappointed that his

multiracial coalition fell apart, and has never been revived.

CITIZEN: Since Mayor Washington’s death in 1987 how have you seen his legacy continue to influence the city?

WASHINGTON: His policies opened government to people of color and women as never before. City neighborhoods are receiving equitable resources in many areas, from street construction, city services, arts and recreation. Community organizing and government reform are hallmarks of his campaign and administration, and those causes still thrive today.

CITIZEN: In your opinion as a political analyst, how has the political climate in Chicago changed since electing its first black mayor in 1983?

WASHINGTON: City government is vastly more diverse in terms of racial, ethnic and gender, but politically, the city is still deeply divided.

To read Laura Washington’s column visit www.chicago. suntimes.com/author/laura-washington.

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