Emanuel opponent criticizes tax proposal

CHICAGO, Feb. 5 (UPI) -- Campaign watchers say Chicago mayoral candidate Gery Chico has launched the first television attack ad in a spot criticizing opponent Rahm Emanuel.

The ad attacks Emanuel's proposal to cut the city's sales tax by a quarter cent and adding some services not now taxed, such as tanning parlors and limo rides, the Chicago Tribune reported.

In the advertisement, Chico said, "this tax is going to hit families when they don't have one more ounce to give. They can't take one more brick on their back. And that's what this tax is."

At a news conference Friday where he received the endorsement of the Sierra Club, Emanuel, President Obama's former chief of staff and a former congressman, fired back.

"It's been over a week since Gery has decided to announce any new ideas, except for criticizing an idea he first agreed with," Emanuel said.

Chico was in third place in a recent poll with 16 percent. He is trying to finish at least second in the Feb. 22 election and keep Emanuel from getting the majority he needs to prevent a runoff.

A new Emanuel ad reminds city employees they are "public servants" and says taxpayers should get the most for their money.

"We're going to get them the best price for what they pay for, whether that's protecting a street, cleaning a street or plowing a street," Emanuel said.