Howard Brookins, City Council Black Caucus chairman, has said he will fight to get what he thinks his ward needs, including a new South Side Wal-Mart.
Background: Brookins comes from political blood. His father, Howard Brookins Sr., was a former state senator, which propelled Brookins to enter a life of public service. He attended Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and Northern Illinois University. Brookins later worked as a public defender and state's attorney. He became a partner of Brookins and Wilson law firm.
The Ward: The 21st ward is made up of parts of the Washington Heights and Roseland communities. The area is largely African American. The ward was founded by Dutch immigrants and is still mostly residential to this day. Like most South Side wards, the area has seen a decrease in population and an increase in vacant homes and lots.
The Office: Ald. Brookins has been in office since 2003. His platform includes: improving quality of life, economic development, employment and retail opportunities. He was instrumental in securing a Wal-Mart express store for the ward. Brookins helped establish a police accountability ordinance and supports the decriminalization of possession of small amounts of marijuana.
Committees:
City Council Black Caucus (Chair)
Aviation
Budget and Government Operations
Committees, Rules and Ethics
Finance
Pedestrian and Traffic Safety
Special Events, Cultural Affairs and Recreation
Workforce Development and Audit
Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards (Vice-Chair)
