With behind-the-scenes encouragement from perennial political power player Richard Mell, retiring Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) is warming to the possibility of joining the crowded field of candidates vying to replace Mayor Lori Lightfoot.
"He thinks I would be a good mayor. That’s all I can say," Tunney, 67, said Monday. "He’s worked with me for years."
"I know I’ll have business support. If you look at the rest of the candidates, I think I have a unique resume," he added. "If I get in, I will definitely be very aggressive on fundraising."Chicago mayoral challenger Sophia King has unveiled her plan to reverse a spike in violent crime in the city. Illinois Restaurant Association President Sam Toia has known Tunney, the association’s former chairman, for decades.
As Chicago’s first openly gay alderperson, he could cut into Lightfoot’s support in the LGBTQ community. He also teased a run for mayor, saying Chicagoans "want a unifier" and someone "who can bring people together." The infamous photograph that’s part of Chicago folklore captured the deal-making essence of Mell’s personality.
The landfill was owned by a second cousin of Patti Blagojevich, the alderman’s daughter and governor’s wife.