Emanuel says he didn't know ally organized pro-education groups

Mayor Rahm Emanuel said Tuesday that he didn't direct a political consulting firm with close ties to him to organize faith and community groups in support of his education agenda, nor was he aware the company was doing so.
The mayor’s comments followed a Monday Tribune report that Resolute Consulting has given money and organizational help to groups that support Emanuel’s attempts to lengthen the school day, bolster charter schools and close under-performing schools. Resolute is run by Greg Goldner, Emanuel’s 2002 congressional campaign manager who also runs a political fund aligned with Emanuel’s interests.
Asked Tuesday if he knew about Goldner’s involvement or directed him to help pastors with grass-roots work to bolster his schools agenda, Emanuel said “the answer is no.”
Goldner told the Tribune he was acting without input from the Emanuel administration, but Tuesday was the first time the mayor addressed the issue.
The Chicago Public Schools inspector general recently started looking at the Rev. Roosevelt Watkins, who is under scrutiny for paying people to attend hearings and speak on behalf of school closings. Watkins said he has received money from Resolute. His organization also holds city school contracts. But Watkins said he didn't use public funds or the firm's money to pay the protesters.