Great article. But his comment about most of the plants being gone is not true. The US Steel Chicgo plant and Wisconsin steel in her ward both closed but the plants in Indiana are stil churning out plenty of steel. Not as many workers but that is because of technology.
Good read. Says a lot about the state of politics in Chicago today. The unions hold more sway over the aldermen than the mayor does. It used to be the mayor kept alderman in line by providing jobs and city services. Shakman enforcement dried up the jobs, now the mayor is only half as important to council members — and it’s the less important half.
Raunerites, this is why Rahm can’t help you in Springfield even if he wanted to. Chicago pols are less indebted and less afraid of the mayor’s office than they used to be.
It’s a terrific article—far more upbeat than the usual diatribes on TIF’s. Very informative. It would be so interesting if he could do a piece on all 50 Aldermen—we’d learn so much about all of the various Wards and the people who manage them.
- Reality Check - Thursday, Jul 21, 16 @ 1:59 pm:
Co-sign. It really is an excellent, vivid profile of the alderman and her ward alike. Kudos to Ben.
- Outsider - Thursday, Jul 21, 16 @ 2:34 pm:
A great fun article….
- Centennial - Thursday, Jul 21, 16 @ 2:48 pm:
Awesome read. Thanks for sharing, Rich.
My favorite line: ‘Welcome to the neighborhood, John. If you need anything, let your alderman know.’ ”
- Been There - Thursday, Jul 21, 16 @ 2:54 pm:
Great article. But his comment about most of the plants being gone is not true. The US Steel Chicgo plant and Wisconsin steel in her ward both closed but the plants in Indiana are stil churning out plenty of steel. Not as many workers but that is because of technology.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Jul 21, 16 @ 3:10 pm:
It’s awesome.
If you don’t read it, you’re missing out!
- Telly - Thursday, Jul 21, 16 @ 3:40 pm:
Good read. Says a lot about the state of politics in Chicago today. The unions hold more sway over the aldermen than the mayor does. It used to be the mayor kept alderman in line by providing jobs and city services. Shakman enforcement dried up the jobs, now the mayor is only half as important to council members — and it’s the less important half.
Raunerites, this is why Rahm can’t help you in Springfield even if he wanted to. Chicago pols are less indebted and less afraid of the mayor’s office than they used to be.
- Belle - Thursday, Jul 21, 16 @ 3:59 pm:
It’s a terrific article—far more upbeat than the usual diatribes on TIF’s. Very informative. It would be so interesting if he could do a piece on all 50 Aldermen—we’d learn so much about all of the various Wards and the people who manage them.
- Precinct Captain - Thursday, Jul 21, 16 @ 4:07 pm:
Great profile!
- The Historian - Thursday, Jul 21, 16 @ 4:16 pm:
Superb–I read it earlier today & sent it to some other folks. And Joravsky’s regularly been writing articles of this quality for like *decades* now!
- Groucho - Thursday, Jul 21, 16 @ 4:58 pm:
It will be a great day when the CTU runs the city council.
- Ron - Thursday, Jul 21, 16 @ 5:53 pm:
Chicago will be in ruin the day CTU runs the City.