That changed Wednesday when Emanuel was asked, given the news organizations' investigation, if he had concerns about whether the county's assessment system was fair, especially at a time when Emanuel's administration at City Hall and CPS has raised property taxes by $1.2 billion to pay for pensions and fund the school district.



"I know your paper has done a series of investigatory pieces," Emanuel said in a brief response. "I think there needs to be a look at it to make sure there is fairness across the system."



The mayor did not say what form such a review should take, nor did he mention Preckwinkle's effort on that front. Emanuel did, however, point to his own efforts in Springfield to secure an increase in the homeowners exemption, which he said shows City Hall was "very respectful of our homeowners."



The mayor also was asked if he would send more city attorneys to challenge the assessment appeals filed on behalf of major commercial property owners, some filed by law firms owned by House Speaker Michael Madigan and Ald. Ed Burke, since lower tax bills granted in such appeals leave homeowners with a heavier burden.



"I'm not going to speak to that at this point," said Emanuel, dodging the question. "I appreciate that."



At the end of his news conference Wednesday, Emanuel was asked whether he would be endorsing Berrios. He did not answer the question. (Bill Ruthhart)



