Chicago to elect new mayor as crime emerges as key issue

CHICAGO, April 4 (Reuters) – Crime is the central issue in Tuesday’s mayoral runoff in Chicago, where voters are choosing between two candidates with contrasting approaches to public safety. Former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas calls for more cops; Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson calls for more mental health support and opportunities for young people. The two are squaring off to run the third-largest U.S. city after incumbent Lori Lightfoot finished third out of nine candidates in the previous round when no one managed to cross the 50% line. The nonpartisan race in the heavily left-leaning city has tested…