Aldermanic privilege

“Aldermanic privilege,” as it came to be called, was abused my many Aldermen but was very helpful to (anti-administration) Independents. It often prevented the Machine from forcing its will on their communities.

For example, if a politically connected real estate developer wanted a zoning change to build a high-rise that neighborhood groups opposed, the Alderman could simply say “no,” and that would be the end of it. If the city administration needed a zoning change to dump some sort of facility in a community, the Alderman could simply say “no,” and the proposal would be dropped.

Of course, many Aldermen used that privilege to obtain contributions and other favors from those who sought zoning changes. Like many other government processes, the practice could be used for public benefit or for private benefit.

Excerpted from “Chicago Political Stories” at https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/994143