Paul Vallas, American politician and former education superintendent | x
Paul Vallas, American politician and former education superintendent | x
Paul Vallas, former CEO of Chicago Public Schools and a past mayoral candidate, has used his social media platform to comment on public safety and fiscal management in Chicago. In a series of posts from October 2025, Vallas criticized city leadership and raised concerns about budget priorities and crime rates.
On October 8, 2025, Vallas addressed the issue of youth violence in Chicago. He wrote: "Still waiting for Mayor Johnson, CTU Pres. Gates, and Gov Pritzker to pause their anti Fed rhetoric long enough to comment on Chicago’s nation leading murders and shootings of school age youth now at 34 killed and 147 wounded this year. What are they going to do about it?"
The following day, October 9, he questioned the allocation of police resources within the city: "As we near budget season in Chicago, residents should know that Mayor Johnson’s security detail reportedly may have as many as 150 officers. That’s more than the 130 full time officers assigned to the CTA to cover 79 stations, 146 platforms and 335 trains."
On October 10, Vallas turned his attention to Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle's proposed budget: "As Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle rolls out her $10 billion 2026 election-year budget trumpeting her “fiscal management,”voters are best reminded that the budget has more than tripled during her tenure and public safety’s share has plummeted from 41% to 18%."
Vallas' remarks come amid ongoing debates over public safety funding and government spending in Chicago. The city's violent crime rates have been a persistent concern for residents and officials alike. Budget discussions often focus on how resources are allocated between law enforcement, public transportation security, and other civic needs.
Chicago's political leadership—including Mayor Brandon Johnson, CTU President Stacy Davis Gates, Governor J.B. Pritzker, and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle—have faced scrutiny regarding their approaches to both fiscal policy and public safety measures.
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