The Pledge to Protect Chicago's Water

Access to safe and affordable water is necessary for the survival of our families, businesses, and our community. Chicago has a huge stake in water as a resource for economic recovery, quality of life, and making the transition to more sustainable ways of living. We have a collective responsibility to manage water in the public interest and to conserve water for future generations as well as for the survival of ecosystems and other species. Water is a part of the global commons, and is recognized by the United Nations as a human right. Thus our municipal water systems should remain publicly owned and operated.

I pledge to oppose the privatization of Chicago's water system. I will vote against any sale, lease, or private outsourcing of Chicago's water.

(Candidate's Signature)

Pledge to Protect Chicago's Water in Word Document format

Pledge to Protect Chicago's Water in PDF format

Petition to Protect Chicago's Water in Word Document format


Asset Lease Taxpayer Protection Ordinance

On November 7, 2009, Alderman Scott Waguespack introduced an ordinance that would provide specific guidelines for future privatization efforts by the city. This legislation aims to ensure that proposed privatization of a public asset should be done with goals in mind that extend beyond maximizing the initial payout for the asset, and that current and future taxpayers get fair value for the asset.

The impetus for this ordinance stems from the privatization of the parking meter system, in which the city leased its parking meters for 75 years for a fraction of its value and has already spend a majority of the revenue. Provisions of the Asset Lease Taxpayer Protection Ordinance include:

  • Increased transparency through public meetings and notification requirements
  • Third party valuation
  • Lease length limits and reassessment periods

    • Click here to read the original version of the Asset Lease Taxpayer Protection Ordinance.