Mayor Emanuel was expected to unveil his much-anticipated, much-vetted 2012 budget Wednesday. The new mayor did not tackle his first budget alone as the city faced a projected shortfall of over $635 million dollars next year. Over the summer, the city launched an online suggestion box: People submitted and discussed thousands of ideas for cutting spending or increasing revenues. The mayor also asked aldermen for their budget ideas. In that spirit, Eight Forty-Eight invited a few members of City Council to join the show to share some of their ideas and priorities for next year’s budget. Former federal prosecutor Michele Smith represents the 43rd ward in Lincoln Park, Joe Moreno is a former school council member and businessman currently serving in the 1st Ward which includes Chicago’s Wicker Park and Logan Square neighborhoods. And veteran council member Margaret Laurino serves the 39th ward, which includes Sauganash and Albany Park, on the city’s far Northwest Side.

Music Button: Midwest Product, “Reminder”, from the CD Specifics, (Ghostly International)