So, You Wanna Be Mayor of Chicago? Let's Talk Cold Hard Cash (and Maybe Some Deep Dish)**
Ever look at Mayor Johnson on TV, wrangling the City Council like a herd of rambunctious cats, and think, "Hey, I could do that!" Well, sure, maybe. But before you dust off your campaign hat and order a bulk supply of buttons with your face on them, let's get down to brass tacks, or should we say, deep dish dough? How much moolah does the big cheese of Chicago actually rake in?
The Big Raise That Wasn't Quite So Big (But Still Pretty Nice)
For years, the Windy City's mayors have been stuck on a salary that wouldn't exactly make Bill Gates sweat. We're talking a cool $216,210 a year, which sounds impressive until you consider the CEO of a local hot dog stand might pull in close to that these days. Finally, in 2023, Mayor Johnson proposed a raise, citing the rising cost of...well, everything, including that essential Chicago food group: Italian beef. There was some back-and-forth, talk of aldermanic heartburn, but ultimately, the raise squeaked through. So, how much bigger is the new mayoral paycheck?
Drumroll please...
Johnson's looking at a potential annual salary of $221,052. Not a Scrooge McDuck money bin situation, but definitely enough to snag a decent condo overlooking the Bean (without having to sell a kidney).
Here's the kicker: Johnson hasn't officially accepted the raise yet. Maybe he's holding out for a lifetime supply of Garrett Mix popcorn? Who knows? One thing's for sure, being Mayor of Chicago isn't exactly about the riches.
But Wait, There's More! (Because Perks Are Fun)
Let's be honest, being mayor isn't all budget battles and ribbon cuttings. There's gotta be some fun stuff, right? Well, buckle up, because Chicago's mayor gets a few perks that would make even the most jaded alderman crack a smile:
- A swanky official residence: We're talking a mansion, folks, not your average bungalow. Think fancy furniture, enough guest rooms to house a small army of interns, and maybe even a hidden room full of Chicago-style hot dog memorabilia (unofficial perk, but hey, a mayor can dream).
- A security detail: Because, let's face it, dealing with disgruntled deep dish connoisseurs can be stressful.
- A snazzy car (with a driver!): Forget the CTA. The mayor zooms around town in style, leaving the parking woes to the rest of us.
So, is the pay enough to lure you into the political arena? Well, that depends. If you're in it for the money, you might want to consider a career in, well, anything else. But if you're passionate about making the Second City a better place, and you enjoy a good Italian beef (and maybe a lifetime supply of popcorn), then hey, maybe mayorhood is your calling. Just remember, the real reward is the satisfaction of serving the people (and the occasional free hot dog).
