Alderman Ray Frias made his first speech on the floor of the Chicago City Council since being acquitted of accepting a bribe, attempted extortion, and lying to the FBI in the federal Silver Shovel probe. Frias, whose entrapment defense required him to admit taking a $500 bribe, didn’t apologize for bringing still more disrepute on the council. In fact, he later told reporters he plans to run for reelection.
Best of Chicago voting is live now. Vote for your favorites »
No, Frias’s speech supported a resolution calling for the council’s transportation committee to hold hearings on reduced federal and state funding for the CTA. “I understand that being an alderman is a very responsible position,” began Frias, who was caught on videotape telling a government mole that he’d prefer weekly payments to a lump-sum bribe.
So long as Chicago aldermen don’t think someone’s wearing a wire, they’re willing to be seen with just about anyone.
“No, no!” laughed Stone.
