May 11--Mayor Rahm Emanuel will finally get some relief Tuesday after weeks of having to do a delicate dance on the Barack Obama presidential library coming to Chicago.
Word about the library landing here has been out for nearly two weeks, but Emanuel has tried not to get out in front of the announcement. That's led to a series of awkward exchanges with reporters, including one that unfolded Monday after a ribbon cutting for a new high-tech manufacturing center on Goose Island.
Emanuel was asked for an update on what's going on with the library.
"As you know, no decision is made until the president makes the decision or the announcement," Emanuel said. "But as somebody who has seen certain signs, I will say this is a tremendous economic opportunity, job opportunity for the city of Chicago. I think it's a unique opportunity that will -- both economically and both culturally and educationally -- pay a dividend to the city of Chicago and the South -- whatever neighborhood he picks -- for years to come.
"Again, I want to be clear, the only person who can make the announcement about the library and the city of Chicago is the president of the United States," Emanuel added. "But as somebody who's committed to moving heaven and earth, I'm, I can't wait till that responsibility's off my shoulders at one level."
When it was pointed out to Emanuel that the fact he is scheduled to appear at Tuesday's announcement with officials from the Obama foundation makes it apparent Chicago will get the library, the mayor responded, "Well, you have an ability to observe the obvious at one level.
"Look, I want to respect, this is his decision," Emanuel said. "Only the president makes this decision."
Asked what he will do to make sure the neighborhood around the library gets a benefits agreement, including possibly a trauma center activists have sought for the University of Chicago hospital, the mayor said, "First and foremost, I never get ahead of the president of the United States, as somebody who worked for him.
"When he makes a decision, we'll answer all the other questions and work in a collaborative basis, but I want to wait for the president and the first lady to make their decision," he said.
