Alderman Moreno was behind the abolition of Illinois' death penalty

Alderman Moreno (l) and Mitts during press conference in City Hall

Alderman Proco "Joe" Moreno, 1st Ward, prior to a press conference he had called concerning the abolishment of the death penalty in Illinois said, "We learned earlier this morning that he (Illinois Governor Patrick Quinn) may sign the (Abolition of the Death Penalty) bill today. So, our support (resolution) may have been an exercise that worked behind the scenes. We may not need to introduce the resolution.

"He has until the 18th to sign but time is getting late and we felt that it was our job to support him in abolishing an ineffective, racist, non-deterrent, wasteful of taxpayer money policy that has gone on way too long. I've been an advocate for abolition for fifteen years. The death penalty doesn't have a place in an advanced society,"  said Moreno.

"During the press conference he went on to say, "...some people deserve the death penalty. But question is not whether they deserve it, the question is can the state fairly administer the policy? They have failed numerous times.  Those that support the death penalty are  for abolition ...strong on crime

"To the people who will say this is a state issue and we should stay out of it, I say the city of Chicago needs to be heard on the issue.  The existence of the death penalty has consequences for our constituents."

Moreno was joined at the press conference by 37th Ward Alderman Emma Mitts who expressed her support of the bill. Moreno's resolution was co-sponsored by Aldermen  Carrie Austin (34th), Walter Burnett (27th), Rey Colon (35th), Roberto Maldonado (26th), Emma Mitts (37th) and Tom Tunney (44th).

Quinn's signing of the bill resulted in comments from various sides of the issue. Victims and their families like Tom Nicarico are not happy.

Kane County State's Attorney Joe McMahon does not think the abolition of the death penalty will get any easier now that he no longer can seek the death penalty.

Crain's Chicago Business looks at the impact of Quinn's decision.