Alderman Carrie M. Austin chairs the powerful budget committee, preceding her husband. Austin was appointed by Mayor Richard M. Daley as alderman of the 34th ward to finish the term of her late husband Lemuel Austin after his death in 1994
Background:
Austin has been a member of the 34th Ward Democratic Organization since 1972. She is also vice chair of the Cook County Democratic Party of Illinois, Central State committeewoman and a community leader. She worked under former 34th ward Ald. Wilson Frost, her husband Lemuel Austin Sr., State Representative Nelson Rice Sr. and former Congressman Mel Reynolds. Austin is a mother of seven children and a grandmother of 25.
The Ward:
The 34th Ward is located in the Roseland and Washington Heights neighborhoods. Roseland is a residential neighborhood, founded by Dutch immigrants, and Washington Heights is primarily a middle-class residential community.
The Office:
Austin chairs the Budget Committee, as did her husband. She has a strong involvement with the 34th ward Chicago Public School principals. Since she has been in office, the ward has a new Mercy Hospital emergency room and clinic facilities, a concept school. She also has led a 10-year advocacy for a major shopping mall.
Committees:
Budget and Government Operations
Committees, Rules and Ethics
Finance
Health and Environmental Protection
Housing and Real Estate
Public Safety
Workforce Development and Audit
Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards
Economic, Capital and Technology Development
Health and Environmental Protection
