“Chicago style” or the “Chicago way” of doings things can be a funny thing—cultural quirks—like the unwritten rule that hot dogs be dressed with celery salt, not ketchup. But the city also earned a reputation for shady politics and back-room deals. So when Mayor Rahm Emanuel promised a transparent, open city government - it was practically an affront to the very definition of “Chicago.” Still, there was movement in that direction.

Earlier in the week, the mayor announced the release of a searchable online database of city contracts from 1993 onward. As part of The First 100 series, Eight Forty-Eight assessed the city’s progress and prospects under the Emanuel administration. For the latest installment, Ald. Scott Waguespack (32nd Ward) and Chicago Reader senior writer Mick Dumke joined Eight Forty-Eight to discuss the level of transparency in Chicago city government.

On Wednesday, Aug. 24, local officials will join Eight Forty-Eight’s Alison Cuddy for a public forum to culminate The First 100 series.
Please submit questions for the mayor and other local leaders for a dynamic and interactive discussion.

Music Button: Thievery Corporation, “Stargazer”, from the CD Culture of Fear, (ESL)