On May 16, 2011, Chicago will have a new mayor. Richard M. Daley announced on Sept. 7 that he would not seek a seventh term in office. At his press conference, Daley expressed his love and gratitude to Chicago, and he should, because he is loaded.

Richard Daley was first elected to office in 1989, before Illinois legislature passed 10 Illinois Compiled Statue 5/9-8.10. The passage of this law forbids politicians from using political contributions for personal use.

Since Daley was already in office before the passage of 10 ILCS 5/9-8.10, he is called ‘grandfathered in;’ meaning, he can use political contributions for personal use. If Daley was elected after the passage of this law, he would have to return or donate his ‘war chest’ when he left office.

During initial contact with Vanessa Hall, Richard Daley’s press secretary, I was promised verification of Daley’s war chest. My subsequent e-mails and phone calls were never returned; they must not be fans.

Luckily, the Chicago Sun-Times verified Daley’s war chest value in a Sept. 8 publication. As of June 30, Daley’s war chest was just shy of $1.5 million.

That is certainly better that a gold watch to commemorate your retirement; however, even though he can keep the money, should he?

Senior English major Steve Mavrick comments, “Daley seemed very dedicated to Chicago, so he should give the money to his neighborhood revitalization program.”

Agreeing with Mavrick is sophomore Spanish major Chris Harris, who said, “Illinois already has an image problem when it comes to politicians, so Daley should set an example and donate his war chest.”

Jeff Momani, sophomore industrial systems engineering major states, “Daley will keep the money, but he does not deserve it. He got paid what he deserves.”

Last, my favorite opinion on what Daley should do with his war chest is by Alex Fiore, junior journalism major: “Daley should use that money to purchase the Cubs and move them far, far away.”

While popular opinion is that Daley should give the $1.5 million dollars away, I disagree. The man will have been in public office for 22 years, and has done a lot for Chicago.

What is $1.5 million anyway? According to Forbes Magazine, Oprah Winfrey made $275 million for the ’07-’08 tax year. After doing some calculations, Oprah would surpass Daley’s $1.5 million in only two days.

Alright, Daley is no Oprah, but take for example someone who has done very little for Chicago, like Bears quarterback Jay Cutler.

According to an Oct. 21, 2009 article by Jon Greenberg, columnist for ESPNChicago.com, Cutler will make $10 million per season. Meaning, he will surpass Daley’s $1.5 million in under two months.

In all reality, Daley will probably not keep all the money, and we should not be upset even if he does. Think about it, would you give $1.5 million away?

So Mayor Daley, enjoy your retirement, thank you for your service, and if you are going to give some of that money away; my name is Aaron Brooks, and I accept cash or check.