(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Two local political experts have suggested that Mayor Brandon Johnson’s first year in office was a collision of perceptions about him — and the reality of his accomplishments.

Delmarie Cobb is a longtime political strategist and a progressive. She acknowledged that Johnson’s first year in office has sometimes been rocky, but added that a learning curve was expected, given that he’s never held an office like this.

“We knew it was not going to be a smooth transition in terms of governing, especially from being a progressive and from campaigning; they’re two very different things,” Cobb said. “I think he’s done a relatively good job. I mean there are some issues.”

As a progressive, Cobb said Johnson’s hallmarks should be transparency and good communications — but she said he needs to do better in both.

“This is not an area where, ‘I’m the mayor, and I can do what I want to, and I don’t have to ask anybody anything, and I don’t have to tell anybody anything,’” she said. “No, you do, and you have to be clear, and you have to be consistent.”

Still, Cobb was emphatic that Johnson was much better than the alternative.

Professor Constance Mixon, director of the Urban Studies Program at Elmhurst University, echoed much of what Cobb said and added that Johnson is “still working to deliver” on campaign promises to tackle crime, transportation, education and housing.

When it comes to progressive victories Johnson has won, Mixon said those accomplishments have been overshadowed by more negative headlines.

“The One Fair Wage Ordinance, the paid time off, the bond borrowing — all of that have been successes, but they haven’t received as much attention as the headlines about crime and the failure of Bring Chicago Home,” she said.

Take crime, for example. She noted that shootings and homicides are down to pre-pandemic levels, but robberies are up. Although people see the numbers, they still may not feel safe.

Mixon pointed to the migrant crisis, as well. She said that while things are stabilized now, people remember new arrivals at police stations and the failed plan for tent base camps.

Her suggestion: Team Johnson could use better messaging.

Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok