12/14/11 3:09 p.m.
WLS Radio’s Bill Cameron Reports
CHICAGO (WLS) - Mayor Rahm Emanuel wants big new powers to help stage the NATO and G8 summits here in Chicago next May.
WLS Radio’s Bill Cameron reports from City Hall that the mayor is asking the aldermen to give him temporary authority to close all of the city’s parks, playgrounds and beaches at 11 p.m. during the NATO and G8 summits.
He also wants to add more security cameras, deputize more people to be police officers and dramatically raise fines on protesters who don’t obey the police. Also requested has the ability to give him more freedom to execute contracts for goods and services connected to the NATO and G8 summits.
“Guys, this is not a big deal. This is a one time event. We’re gonna do it in an organized fashion. Be able to hold this conference,” the Mayor told reporters.
But he said demonstrators will be able to enjoy their constitutional rights to protest.
Activists have already started planning protests during the gathering of some of the world's most powerful leaders. Tens of thousands of people may converge for the May meetings between members of NATO and the Group of Eight - France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Canada, Russia and the United Kingdom and the U.S.
The meetings will include discussions about the future of coalition operations in Afghanistan.
Also Tuesday, the mayor apologized in advance for any disruption caused by the summits.
Then the mayor changed the subject, joking with reporters that he’s disappointed with us for not wishing him a happy anniversary today because it’s the one year anniversary of his daylong testimony at Chicago board of election hearings to keep him on the ballot for mayor.
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