Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has made a public promise for no tax hikes, police cuts or one-time revenue shortcuts as the city withers through an unprecedented budget gap that is expected to hit $790 million.

Calling it a "moment of truth" for the city, Emanuel made references to the Daley administration in discussing the last decade's unhealthy finances, saying he is ready to make the "tough choices" to get the city back on track. Ald. Robert Fioretti (2nd Ward) has proposed cutting trash services to every 10 days instead of seven, while Emanuel pushed the idea of "managed competition" or partly privatizing services, which he has already implemented for recycling.