It's time to shift focus to the city council
Aldermen can make or break a mayor's plans
When 50 men and women took the oath of office May 15 at the Credit Union 1 Center they didn’t commit to work with the mayor, or even one another. The aldermen, some new and others long-term incumbents simply swore to the words their counterparts around the country pledged. They raised their right hand to the words were “I, _____, do solemnly swear [or affirm] that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution and laws of the State of Illinois, and all local ordinances, and that I will faithfully and impartially perform and discharge the duties of the office of alderman, according to the law and the best of my ability. Of course, the name of the state(s) change, but the oath is the same.
Since the February municipal election, the political attention has been focused on the mayor’s race. Even the most contentious city council races got short shrift from the news media. Social media wasn’t any different, nor were the discussions at community gathering places. The unfortuante part of that reality is that the city council carries enough clout to make or break a mayor’s plans. When it comes to the budget a mayor proposes each year, it is the council that gives its OK. The mayor can’t shift line items in the budget without council approval.
Often candidates running for mayor present their platforms as though they are the ultimate decision makers. The general lack of knowledge about the city council’s roles allow candidates to get away with that without being questioned on the how they will carry out their proposals
Any mayor’s plan to raise taxes are required to get city council approval before being enacted. Yes, a mayor can veto a council vote; however, the council has the power to override any veto. Council members also vote on all proposed loans, grants, bond issues, land acquisitions and sales, zoning changes, traffic control issues, mayoral appointees, and other financial appropriations. An old government adage describes the process as “the mayor proposes and the council disposes.” The mayor needs at least 26 of the 50 votes in order to get any initiative or financial matter passed.
Like the mayor, council members are elected to four-year terms, but do not run citywide. The mayor does have the authority to replace any alderman who can no longer serve, as was the case with former 24th Ward Alderman Michael Scott, Jr. Upon his resignation 2022, Lightfoot appointed his sister, Monica Scott to fill the vacancy. In line with the city ordinance she successfully ran in last February’s election and retained the seat.
Four Black aldermen, representing predominantly Black wards left the council prior to the general election. Sophia King (4th), Roderick Sawyer (6th) both opted to run for mayor instead of the council seats. Leslie Hairston (5th) and Carrie Austin (34th) resigned. The former mayor can name a replacement as the resignations came at the end of their terms and the seats were filled by election. The number of Black aldermen didn’t change as the successors to all four are Black.
Each alderman represents a ward of approximately 56,000 residents. Wards are redrawn after every U.S. census-every 10 years. Every council member also has an office and staff within the ward they represent, in addition to an office at city hall. Click on the link below to find out where your alderman’s ward office is located, as well as the phone number and email address.