Chicagoist: Ask Chicagoist: What's a Ward Committeeman?

Rob

Tue, 27 Feb 2007 08:44:09 -0600

Your political writer needs to check his facts. Tom Tunney is the Alderman of 44 but the Ward Committeeman is still Bernie Hansen. Outside of electoral power and sway there is very little left to be bought. The jobs aren't there anymore....

bob

Mon, 26 Feb 2007 21:32:18 -0600

The ward bosses are the one with all the power in the city. They aren't public officials so technically they cannot be "bought" as there would be no conflict of interest with the public good. In reality they are the ultimate power brokers in the city, essentially deciding who gets elected, what developments happen in their wards and with whom, and are in on every other aspect of their little feudal kingdoms. After the corruption trials 20 years ago the power was consolidated with the ward bosses to insulate the alderman and the mayor. This is the part of the old political machine that still thrives in this city without any consequence or challenge.

bob

Mon, 26 Feb 2007 18:08:11 -0600

bob

Mon, 26 Feb 2007 16:55:42 -0600

bob

Mon, 26 Feb 2007 16:47:41 -0600

jerry

Mon, 26 Feb 2007 12:40:47 -0600

They're pretty much the key cogs in the Machine. I think they also appoint the Precinct Captains. This is also where patronage comes into play. Precinct captains often find jobs as patronage hires. A precinct captain in my ward was busted (32nd) for doing political work on the clock. I think he worked for the water department.

Hugh

Mon, 26 Feb 2007 12:39:29 -0600

Here's an excellent resource for the question, what is a ward committeeman? Closing a Chapter in Chicago's Political History Edmund Kelly — Committeeman, 47th Ward, Chicago Carlos Hernandez Gomez — Chicago Public Radio News Correspondent Edmund "Ed" Kelly is stepping down after serving nearly 30 years as 47th Ward committeeman. The icon of the Cook County Democratic organization discusses his life in office and the changing nature of what was once a powerful position. www.chicagopublicradio.org/audio_library/848_rajune04.asp#01 audio www.wbez.org/DWP_XML/848/2004_06/848_20040601_0835_2407/segment_135006.ram