Todd Ricketts, part-owner of the Chicago Cubs, is still waiting to assume the role of deputy commerce secretary – but at least construction at Wrigley Field is moving along.
Ricketts talked politics and the changes Cubs fans can expect at Wrigley Field during a recent appearance of "The Morning Answer" radio show with hosts Dan Proft and Amy Jacobson. Proft is a principal of Local Government Information Services, which owns this publication.
Rickets put in his bid to be the next deputy commerce secretary last year but the process has been pretty complicated.
“Before I can get to the Senate confirmation, I have to work through all my finances with the Office of Government Ethics,” Ricketts said.
According to the Chicago Tribune, Ricketts has extensive holdings, and local officials are trying to avoid any conflicts between Ricketts' business and government dealings.
As he enters the local political arena, Ricketts also shared his opinions about President Donald Trump's administration with radio show co-host Dan Proft. Proft is a principal of Local Government Information Services, which owns this publication.
Ricketts is optimistic about Trump and his administration’s stance on tax reform.
“Corporate taxes is a critical one because that’s going to free up companies to invest and hire and get more people working,” Ricketts said.
He’s also hoping Trump will reform the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which added oversight and regulations to the financial services industry.
“We need some Dodd-Frank reform so banks can get back in the business of loaning money to small companies and small businessman to get our country working,” Ricketts said.
Ricketts also talked baseball.
After years of construction, the opening of west gate will help alleviate congestion in the ballpark, and the plaza will be an active space for neighborhood entertainment, Ricketts said.
With the upgrades, community members can expect to enjoy more than just baseball at the plaza in Wrigley Field.
“When the team is on the road this summer, it’s going to be a farmers market,” Ricketts said.
A large video board has also been installed so Cubs-related movies like "Ferris Bueller’s Day Off" can be shown on the big screen for guests looking for family-oriented fun.
The opening of a hotel near Wrigley Field is also on the horizon.
“By the opening day of 2018, when the hotel opens, that space will be pretty much complete,” Ricketts said.
The 180-room hotel is affiliated with Starwood Hotels & Resorts and will have a number of retail and food options for guests, according to the Chicago Tribune.
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