Rahm campaign donors, Chicago Hotel developers also bullish on charter schools

Here's a funny quote from the mayor of Chicago

"Government can no longer be an insider's game, serving primarily the lobbyists and well-connected." -- Rahm Emanuel

Chicago Tribune

Here's another funny one from his spokesperson:

"The mayor has instituted the highest ethical and transparency standards and does not accept contributions from entities that do business with the city," Emanuel communications director Sarah Hamilton wrote in an email response to the Tribune. "Nearly every Chicagoan does business in the city, and the mayor is happy to have their support."

Wilson, Rahm & Tisch

It's worth noting here that some of Rahm's biggest campaign donors, like the above-mentioned Donald Wilson of DRW Trading, also underwrite Chicago charter schools. Wilson has personally donated $30,000 since 2011 to Emanuel's other political fund, the Chicago Committee, including $10,000 in January.

Crain's Shia Kapos reports that hotel developer Wilson's foundation has already invested $2 million and long-term support into a new charter school, DRW Trading College Prep in North Lawndale, part of the Noble Network. The high school, which opened in August, falls under an umbrella network backed by millionaire Bruce Rauner. Wilson's sister also sits on Noble's board.

Writes Kapos:

Will Mr. Wilson be helping teach classes related to financial literacy? He chuckles at the suggestion but doesn't rule it out. After all, contemporaries such as former Exelon Corp. CEO John Rowe are familiar faces in charter schools. Mr. Rowe, a history buff, often lectures at Rowe-Clark Math and Science Academy.