Will Burns is the youngest city council member. But don't let his young age confuse you. Burns is ready to work.
He is a favorite of former 4th Ward resident President Barack Obama. The President rallied for him to fill his vacant Illinois Senate seat back in 2006. When that did not work out, Burns tried his hand at the City Council. He replaced former Alderman Toni Preckwinkle she won election as President of Cook County Board of Commissioners.
Background: Alderman Burns attended the University of Chicago and recieved a master's in social sciences. After that, he served two terms as an Illinois State Representative. While in Springfield, Burns supported reforms to campaign finance law and Illinois procurement. Prior to his House days, Burns worked as the Deputy Chief Of Staff and Senior Advisor to the Illinois Senate President Emil Jones. He later worked as a campaign manager and coordinator for various Obama campaigns. In his spare time, he sits on numerous boards including, but not limited to: Blue Gargoyle Youth Services, Center for Tax and Budget Accountability and the Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty. He lives in North Kenwood with his family.
The Ward: The 4th Ward is extremely diverse and known for its art and intellect. Oakland, Kenwood, parts of Hyde Park and Bronzeville on the south side of Chicago. Its boundaries include 45th street to the north and 51st street to the south, and the ward features Washington Park, Grand Boulevard and Douglas.
The Office: Since elected in February 2011, Burns has worked on securing permits for new businesses to open and remain within the 4th Ward. He has been a big supporter of President Obama's national policies and wants to implement versions of those policies locally. He introduced, with other aldermen, the new Responsible Budget Ordinance. The ordinance is a response to Mayor Emanuel's recent comments concerning TIF allocations.
Committees:
Finance
Housing and Real Estate
Pedestrian and Traffic Safety
Transportation and Public Way
Workforce Development and Audit
Information Provided By: City of Chicago, Office of the Chicago City Clerk, Illinois General Assembly and friendsofwillburns.com.
