Burt Natarus: Too Busy to Keep Streets Safe

Chicago Alderman Burt Natarus continues to feed public perceptions that he's out-of-touch with priorities of his ward. At a time when Chicago's murder rate is on the rise, and in the wake of a high-profile gun killing in the heart of the 42nd Ward, Natarus is telling the residents he represents that he's far too busy to keep the streets safe and ensure Chicago laws are enforced. Here's what Natarus said about the Ice Bar shooting of Chicago Bear Tank Johnson's bodyguard:

"Natarus said he's witnessed numerous problems outside the bar, including people with guns.

When asked why he never called 911, Natarus said: 'I could be in court all day. I could be cross-examined all day, and I'm not that certain, I'm not at all certain, I don't think the courts regard an alderman as a good witness.'"

It's seems like every time there's a microphone on, Burt finds a way to hurt himself, whether he's:

• defending city corruption,
• banning, unbanning, and then allowing the ban to stand on foie gras,
• opposing clean indoor air standards,
• attacking dog owners,
• insulting women, blacks, gays or Asians,
• fighting to protect the rights of strip club patrons to get their money's worth.

Given the extensive media coverage the Ice Bar slaying has received and continues to receive, and the strong support for gun control laws in the 42nd ward, Natarus' latest remarks could come back to haunt him in a big, big way.