NBC Chicago and Ward Room bring you profiles on all 50 wards this election season. As candidates face off in the Feb. 24 election, they are also facing a new ward map, which takes effect when the winners assume office.
In this profile, learn all about the 41st ward, which covers parts of the Far Northwest Side, including Edison Park, Edgebrook, Norwood Park and O'Hare.
Demographic
- Total Population: 55,991
- White: 82.34 percent
- Black: 1.19 percent
- Hispanic: 9.99 percent
- Asian: 5.82 percent (Source: WBEZ)
Current Alderman: Mary O'Connor
Ward Committeemen: Mary O'Connor (democratic committeeman), Michael McAuliffe (republican committeeman) and Terrence Gilhooly (Green Party committeeman)
Who Else is Running: Joe Lomanto and Anthony Napolitano
Chicago Politics
Adjectives that Describe the Ward: Residential, quiet, safe and family-oriented. This ward is known to be the home of many police officers, firefighters and other city employees.
Economic Engine: O'Hare International Airport
Where People Eat: Restaurants include Zia's Trattoria, Papa Chris Place, 4 Hermanos, Red Apple Buffet, Blaze-N-Grill, The Elephant Thai Cuisine, Mia Figlia, Iron Horse Ale House, O'Connor's Deli and Market, Siam Treasure, Sally's Waffle Shoppe, Sandy's and Avantgarde BG.
Where People Drink: Bars include Neward Nook, The Curragh Traditional Irish Pub, Teaser's Pub, Tommy's on Higgins, Prince Hookah Lounge and Emerald Isle.
Where People Pray: Churches and places of worship include Evangelical Students Fellowship Church, St. Mary of the Woods Church, St. Thecla Catholic Church, Edison Park United Methodist Church, Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and All Saints Polish National Church.
How the Ward Typically Votes: Mary O'Connor was first elected alderman of the 41st ward in 2011. Before her, Brian Doherty was alderman from 1991 to 2011. He was the only republican on City Council at that time. In 2007, Doherty won 73 percent of the vote, defeating Don Markham (16 percent) and Michael Hannon (11 percent). In 2011, O'Connor won 50.9 percent of the vote, defeating Maurita Gavin in a runoff.
Landmark: O'Hare International Airport
Resident's Voice: Greg Nagle, general manager of Zia's Trattoria, said the neighborhoods are already great in this ward because the community is tightly knit and there's a sense of pride in the neighborhood. He would like the ward to continue as it has and support the local community.
Ward Expert: Melissa McIntyre, executive director at the Edison Park Chamber of Commerce
