In politics, local government, like city wards, can be seen as the “minor leagues.” This is where candidates are scouted and get recruited to run for higher office.

But time and again, state legislators from Chicago do the opposite. They leave behind jobs in the Statehouse to serve on the City Council.

So that begs the question: What’s more important? Making sure potholes are filled, garbage is picked up on time and what the neighborhood watch group is up to?

Or is it more important to make rules about carrying weapons, the legality of shark fin soup and how much income is going toward taxes?

Tony Arnold and Amanda Vinicky went on a quest to figure out where an Illinois politician has the most influence.

Tony Arnold covers Illinois politics (from Chicago) for WBEZ. Follow him @tonyjarnold. Amanda Vinicky covers Illinois politics (from Springfield) for Illinois Public Radio. Follow her @amandavinicky.