Bring Chicago Home backers retreat and regroup [Video]

CHICAGO — Days after Chicago voters said no to raising the real estate transfer tax on property sales over $1 million to combat homelessness in the city, supporters of the measure struck a tone of humility.

“When voters send a message through their votes, we have a responsibility to listen, even if we disagree,” a statement from the City Council’s Progressive Caucus read Tuesday. “Voters who opposed the referendum told us their vote represented their current distrust, frustration, and disappointment with City government.”

Dick Simpson, professor emeritus of political science at the University of Illinois-Chicago and former 44th Ward Alderman, elaborated further on the general lack of confidence Chicago voters have in city government.

“The language was complicated,” Simpson said Tuesday. “It was on the back of the ballot, the turnout was low and in addition, a lot of citizens didn’t really trust the administration would spend the money well if …