I'm not one for city comparison competitions as they usually take away from exploring deeper issues - in this case - the efforts of council and the mayor with respect to the city and its evolution. It is easy to blame all of council for poor performance when it is the actions of some councillors that holds back and fouls up efforts of the entire council to move an agenda forward.
I am disappointed with Miller. I think he talks the talk, but has big problems following through. Just as examples, there was the "City Beautiful" campaign. It is a great idea, and one that is much needed as city assets begin to crumble here and there. What has happened to this effort? Has it been replaced by pursuits for being the "greenest" city? Will that effort be followed through, or will it also falter a year or two down the road? I like the guy on many levels, but I feel as if he can't quite get himself to focus on something (and that certainly is not all his fault).
There are good ideas out there, but the will to push them through is not so strong. The necessary fire all to often fades to slogans, an then is forgotten. With respect to Chicago, it is not so much about what is being done there, but that things are getting done. We don't have to copy Chicago; we have more than enough talent in this city to come up with improvements and additions to create something unique.
There just seems to be too little wind in the sails right now.