This month marks the first year in office for a group of new Chicago City Council members. Most of the newcomers beat out incumbents backed by Mayor Richard M. Daley, and held high hopes for bringing greater independence to the council. The change hasn't been dramatic—but in some cases, the nine freshmen have made some difference in the 50 member council. Take 42nd ward alderman Brendan Reilly, who's mounted a fierce campaign against a Daley-backed plan to relocate the Chicago Children's Museum in Grant Park.
And then there's Sandi Jackson, who defeated incumbent Darcel Beavers in a highly contested race for 7th ward alderman. The race was considered something of a proxy for a political rivalry between Jackson's husband, Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. – and Bill Beavers, who passed his aldermanic position on to his daughter after snagging a seat on the Cook County Board. Eight Forty-Eight's Gabriel Spitzer caught up with Alderman Jackson yesterday, and asked how she thought her first year has gone.
Music Button: Soulstice, “Colour”, from the CD OmLounge 6, (Om records)