A very important resolution

During his lone term in the late 1970s, 40th Ward Alderman Solomon Gutstein, an Administration supporter, introduced a resolution calling upon city government not to comply with the Arab boycott of Israel. Arab nations had refused to do business with entities that sold goods to their Mideast enemy and complying with the boycott was seen by some as anti-Semitic.

City Council resolutions had no legal force. They were merely advisory, and many Aldermen used them to honor individuals in their wards for birthdays, anniversaries, or other personal achievements.

Sometimes, resolutions called upon another governmental entity to act on an issue, but they did not generate much attention and rarely evoked any discussion or debate. They were all about scoring public relations points.

When Gutstein introduced the anti-boycott resolution, though, several Polish Aldermen spoke against it. 32nd Ward Alderman Theris Gabinski claimed it benefited only one group of people (Jewish) and that it was inappropriate for the Council to approve it.

After they had voiced their opinions, 41st Ward Alderman Roman Pucinski, perhaps motivated by his pro-Israel record in Congress, leapt from his chair, plucked his wallet from his back pocket, shook it in the air, and announced, “I’m a card-carrying Zionist. This is a very important resolution.” His words did not influence the other Polish Aldermen, though, as most were not fond of him.

The resolution passed, but not before a few Council members seized the opportunity to address it in (for them) a politically advantageous manner.