The biggest surprise of Election Day was in the 47th Ward, where Ameya Pawar beat Tom O'Donnell for the seat being vacated by Eugene Schulter. It was a stunning victory for Pawar and served as an example of classic Chicago political arrogance on Schulter's part. Schulter, who dropped out of the race in January seeking to replace Joe Berrios on the Cook County Board of Review, and O'Donnell were longtime political allies. Conventional Chicago political wisdom used to be that, if one ward feudal lord stepped down, the heir apparent took over. 47th Ward residents responded to the cynicism in astounding fashion, rejecting the Schulter/O'Donnell ploy in favor of Pawar, who, as Center Square Journal's Samantha Abernethy noted in yesterday's live chat, Pawar went door-to-door throughout the 47th for fifteen months. By the time Election day came, no amount of cheap political stunts could stop people from changing their minds. more ›

The mayoral race isn't heading to a runoff, but for voters in Wards 6, 15, 16, 17, 20, 24, 25, 38, 41, 43, 45, 46 and 50 the races aren't over. Those races are headed for runoffs; as many as 9 incumbents could lose their seats on April 5. more ›

Now that Joe Berrios (and his immediate family) are ensconced in the County Assessor's office, Cook County Circuit Court Chief Judge Tim Evans has to nominate a successor to fill Berrios's former seat at the County Board of Review. Michael Sneed reported that 47th Ward Alderman Eugene Schulter has his eye on filling the vacancy, even though he filed to run for reelection with the Board of Elections. There's one roadblock in place if Schulter wants to abandon the City Council ship. Schulter backed Forrest Claypool in his failed campaign for Assessor. Joe Berrios is chairman of the Cook County Democratic Party and recently discussed with Evans what he felt were the necessary requirements for the job. See where this is going? more ›

Fed up with owners of dangerous dogs who aren't properly abiding by set rules, Ald. Eugene Schulter (47th) is looking to put down stricter penalties at those who flaunt the current rules. Inspired by an incident in his own ward, Schulter has introduced an ordinance that would ban an offender from owning a dog for five years while multiple offenders could face a lifetime ban within city limits as well as up to six months in jail. [Sun-Times] more ›

Just confirmed with Gene Schulter's office: The proposed ordinance that would force promoters to be licensed and insured has been tabled. Crisis averted. more ›

Well, that anti-promoter ordinance the City's kicking around sounds worse with every passing second. The vague language means it may limit live comedy in Chicago, too. You can hear Alderman Eugene Schulter try to defend the ordinance on 848 from this morning, but we'll warn you that it'll just make you grumpy. more ›

Seriously, guys, Burton Natarus is not on Chicago's City Council anymore, but it's not like he's dead. Eugene Schulter and Walter Burnett must have banked on his promise to spend the summer kayaking, however, because it didn't take them a hot minute to go after one of the cornerstones of his legacy: dogs, their shit and people who eat around it. Schulter re-introduced a stalled ordinance ("Seriously, guys, I haven't even walked out of the... more ›

"MCA Entryway" via eqx1979. more ›

This time of year, many people are looking to weed the closet and clean out the garage to make room for the new pile of stuff they didn't really need acquired over the holidays. So, responding to an altruistic impulse, they decide to donate their old clothes, furniture, appliances, and toys. But that Salvation Army center with the nice workers who help unload the car is so far away. Hey there's a green collection box... more ›

As we told you last week, the county and city governments are currently wrestling with budgets and raising taxes to make up for a number of revenue shortfalls. We thought our readers would be especially interested in the cigarette taxes. We know you're that creepy guy (or gal) sitting at the corner of the bar chain-smoking and "making eye contact" with us. Daley originally wanted to raise the cigarette tax to just 48 cents per... more ›

Getting your car booted sucks. It sucks really hard. Now, City Council might help you protect your rights by requiring private boot companies to put a bill of rights notice on the windshield of booted cars. more ›