How Volini got the city to act

48th Ward Alderman Marion Volini asked the Chicago Planning Department to hold a public hearing at a neighborhood location, instead of in the City Council chambers, so it would be easier for residents to attend.

“Oh, Alderman,” the Deputy Commissioner patronizingly said. “We can’t hold a hearing in the neighborhood,” as if that had been a totally ridiculous suggestion.

 “But Commissioner,” she replied, “you don’t understand. If you don’t do that, hundreds of protesters will be yelling outside your door tomorrow and lots of TV cameras will be there, too.”

 The guy paled. He knew that when Mayor Byrne saw the television coverage, she’d call him and scream, “What the hell is going on up there? Why can’t you control your department?”

 So, the hearing was held in the neighborhood.

Excerpted from “An Inside Job: A Frank Recollection of 48th Ward Happenings” at https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/992452