Chicago City Council: Brendan Reilly

As alderman in one of the city's most powerful wards, Brendan Reilly has been a vocal supporter of Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

His father was a former chief of medicine at Cook County Hospital. His mother is a retired publishing executive and a past president of the Women's Board of the Illinois Cancer Society. In other words, Reilly's got a lot to live up to.

Background:

Reilly graduated from Hobart College and then went to work in the Illinois House of Representatives. After serving as communications director for Paul Vallas' 2002 gubernatorial campaign, Reilly was recruited by AT&T and became the company's youngest regional vice president ever. In 2007, Reilly defeated longtime 42nd Ward Alderman Burton Natarus, riding a wave of anti-incumbent sentiment.

The Ward:
With the Gold Coast, River North and Streeterville, the downtown ward includes some of the city's most expensive real estate. The ward is home to big business, Northwestern's law and medical schools and some very wealthy residents.

The Office:
A generally vocal supporter of mayor Rahm Emanuel's policies, Reilly has earned praise for his work as alderman of one of the city's most powerful wards. He is a fiscal hawk who won headlines for his strong opposition to former Mayor Richard M. Daley and the Chicago Children Museum's plan to build in Grant Park.

Committees:
Budget and Government Operations, Vice-Chairman
Committees, Rules and Ethics
Finance
Transportation and Public Way
Workforce Development and Audit
Zoning, Landmarks and Buildings Standards
 

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