Last Saturday evening, another round of severe weather swept across our area. Trees and branches were down and power was lost to many homes. Mayor Thaddeus Jones was out with city crews as the response and clean up went on. Conversely, 2nd Ward Alderwoman Monet Wilson remained in her home where she spent the entire day making a dishonest meme video attacking Jones for release on her Facebook page.
The storm hit around 12am which included a suspected microburst. Straight line winds were particularly strong in the Burnham Ave corridor, knocking down large trees some of which hit homes and downed power lines. City crews and ComEd responded immediately.
Mayor Jones joined the response effort early on Sunday morning and worked throughout the day surveying damage and directing crews. Jones even directed city workers to help residents on their personal property. “I’ve directed all of my staff. Even if it’s on someone’s personal property to remove that. You’re not going to have them remove that we’re going to do that ourselves,” said Mayor Thaddeus Jones.
Jones was interviewed by a news team later in the day, as is custom for a reporter to speak to officials.
Alderwoman Monet Wilson decided to use the damaging storm for political purposes. She stayed safe and secure in her home the entire time working on an AI generated video which disparaged Jones for talking to the press.
The misleading video sought to create the false impression that the extent of Jones’ response was talking to the reporter who interviewed him. Wilson released the video at 12:47am on Monday morning. She did thank the three Aldermen with whom she is aligned, but left out the other aldermen, the city workers and ComEd crews.
Mayor Thaddeus Jones has a passion to serve, does his job and can be counted on in times of challenge as further demonstrated by this latest storm response. Alderwoman Wilson has shown that even when residents suffer, she is willing to behave politically and once again try to mislead the public.