- Credibility:
LAKEVIEW — Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) is considering whether or not to run for reelection as Lakeview’s alderman or whether he might run for mayor, according to a Chicago Sun-Times report.
Tunney, who was appointed alderman in 2002 by then-mayor Richard M. Daley to fill a vacancy, told the Sun-Times he’s going to use City Council’s August recess to decide whether he’ll call it quits after this term or run for mayor himself.
“Property taxes. Less police. It’a not a healthy platform to run on,” Tunney told the Sun-Times. “I am seriously considering running and I’m also seriously considering not running.”
Tunney’s office did not immediately return Block Club’s request for comment.
When Tunney was appointed alderman, he made history as the first openly gay alderperson in Chicago. He’s since become chair of the council’s Zoning Committee and chairs a five-member Gay Caucus.
“I never thought I would be an alderman this long,” Tunney told the Sun-Times. “I’m a person who wants to come in, make a difference and move on.”
On running for mayor, Tunney told the Sun-Times he hasn’t “completely ruled it out.”
“People want a unifier. People want somebody [who] can bring people together. [Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s] personality is strong and can be somewhat divisive. She’s vulnerable. She knows that. A lot of people are looking for an alternative,” he told the paper.
If Tunney decides not to run for reelection, he’d be the latest in a string of alderpeople to do so, following Ald. James Cappleman (47th), who announced in July he won’t seek reelection, and Ald. Michele Smith (43rd), who announced she’s retiring Aug. 12 due to “deepening” personal responsibilities.
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