The Harvey City Council convened on Monday for the first time since deciding to seek “financially distressed city” status from the state. This move, approved by the council, signifies a critical step towards addressing the city’s financial troubles.

The council meeting drew a large crowd, with numerous residents eager for the opportunity to voice their concerns directly to the mayor.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Last week, Harvey laid off 69 employees as part of its application for state assistance, a move aimed at mitigating its $160 million debt crisis. Many residents attribute the dire financial situation to poor management and a lack of transparency within the city’s administration.

“Our goal is to see Harvey flourish,” expressed local resident Diana Love. “We desire genuine homes, solid investments, and real progress. Trust is the fundamental issue we face.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Ryan R. Sinwelski, another resident, stated, “Harvey deserves better. We reject the idea of a bailout. It’s appalling and offensive. Simply injecting money into corrupt leadership won’t solve our problems. We seek a fresh start, fairness, and justice.”

ABC7’s Ravi Baichwal asked Mayor Christopher J. Clark what his message is to citizens who are calling for more financial accountability and transparency.

“I don’t have a problem with that, because I am definitely open and transparent, and if they think there are issues, they are just pulling them out of thin air… But that seems to be the error that we are in… The silly season of politics doesn’t just end when you get into office,” Clark said.

The mayor says there is no specific timeline for when state help might arrive, but that his administration is doing everything and possibly to bring back those furloughed workers. He told people he’s looking for “brighter minds to come in and help us figure this out.”