Chicago City Wire

Walter Burnett Jr., the 27th Ward alderman and dean of Chicago's City Council, has announced his resignation. In an interview with Fran Spielman of the Chicago Sun-Times, Burnett revealed that he is stepping down not due to health issues or job burnout but because he has maxed out his City Council pension benefits. He expressed a desire for his son, Walter Redmond Burnett, known as "Red," to succeed him.

Burnett hopes Mayor Brandon Johnson will appoint him to head the Chicago Housing Authority. The process mirrors a previous instance when Alderman Carlos Ramirez Rosa resigned earlier this year without triggering a special election for a replacement. Instead, Mayor Johnson will appoint Burnett’s successor, and speculation suggests Johnson may fulfill Burnett’s request by appointing Red.

The City Council ratifies such appointments. Last month, Chicago was among several cities that saw "No Kings" protests focused on Donald Trump. Unlike other major cities, Chicago allows its mayor to choose City Council members in this manner.

Chicago's political scene is known for corruption, often linked to political dynasties. While not all dynasties lead to proven corruption, some have been involved in legal troubles over the years.

Among notable figures are Richard J. Daley and his son Richard M. Daley; both served as mayors of Chicago. Patrick Daley Thompson was convicted in 2022 of lying to federal authorities and tax fraud but maintains his innocence.

Other political families include the Cullertons, with Tom Cullerton pleading guilty to embezzlement charges in 2022; the Burkes with Ed Burke convicted on racketeering charges last year; and Michael Madigan who was convicted of wire fraud and bribery charges earlier this year.

Despite these cases, some dynasties remain untainted by corruption allegations. However, calls for reform persist with suggestions that vacant City Council seats should be filled through special elections rather than mayoral appointments.