 CORE quickly took action to distinguish itself from UPC, reaffirm its grassroots support, and launch a campaign to defend public education.The new leadership cut pay for union officers and used the savings to expand outreach.Former CTU member John A. Ostenburg criticized Lewis and CORE in 2011 for inexperience and political recklessness, arguing that they will not successfully be able to combat Mayor Rahm Emanuel's entrenched power.