Over the weekend, Chicago Mayor and former White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel used April Fools’ Day to have a little fun at the expense of local media and Rick Santorum — by issuing a fictional press release.
The press release, which went out to local news, was entitled “EMANUEL FOIAs SELF.” In order to “learn more about himself,” the big city mayor jokingly requested Freedom of Information Act documents on himself.
Emanuel was allegedely looking forward to some self discovery. “I look forward to receiving a response from the City of Chicago within the five business days prescribed by law. I have cleared my schedule for next weekend and look forward to doing a deep dive into the documents,” the statement read. “I plan to learn everything I can about myself, and I believe I will enjoy this greatly.”
Emanuel, known for his love of cursing, even came up with a new favorite four letter word — “It’s a new me. The only four-letter F-word I use now is ‘FOIA.’“
The April Fools’ Day joke also made fun of Rick Santorum’s Google problem.
“I’ve Google’d myself before. Who hasn’t? Other than Rick Santorum,” said Emanuel.
It was all in good fun though, as the release also made fun of Emanuel’s habit of bragging about jobs he’s created.
“Emanuel’s administration said this is the first time a Mayor has ever FOIA’d himself, and this is the largest self-FOIA in city history. Given the scope of the documents, the FOIA response will create up to 500 jobs.“
The mayor’s office has been previously scrutinized for their response time and denial of reporter’s FOIA requests. It’s safe to say they are aware of complaints.
