Crime is a top issue for Chicago voters. Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson offer sharp contrasts to public safety

The Monday after making it into the Chicago mayoral runoff, Brandon Johnson stood in the heart of the Loop by hulking CTA “L” columns that gleamed with a coat of morning rainfall as sharply dressed commuters hustled down the staircase.

Questioned by a reporter about his public safety plan, the Cook County commissioner directed attention away from the lively scene downtown and toward his West Side neighborhood more than eight miles away.

“Just Wednesday night — the day after I was propelled into this moment — there were gunshots yet...