User talk:TonyTheTiger/Toni Preckwinkle

Toni Preckwinkle is alderman of the 4th ward in Chicago, centered on the Kenwood neighborhood. Alderman Preckwinkle is serving her fourth term.

Early life
Preckwinkle received her bachelors and graduate degree from the University of Chicago. She was a teacher for ten years at the Ancona School.

Public Service
Preckwinkle served as Political Action Director of the Near South Chapter of the Independent Voters of Illinois (IVI-IPO). She was the Executive Director of the Chicago Jobs Council, a Coordinator of Economic Development for the City of Chicago, and Development Officer for the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club. Preckwinkle served as President of the Disabled Adult Residential Enterprises (DARE) in 1985-6. She was a member of the Board of Directors of the Illinois Council against Handgun Violence. Other organizations Preckwinkle has been involved with include: the Harvard School Board, the Hyde Park Kenwood Community Health Center, the Coalition for Athletic Facilities for Kenwood Academy, and the Nichols Park Advisory Board.

Aldermanic career
Preckwinkle was elected to her fifth term as alderman in 2007. She is committed to ensuring mixed income and affordable housing in her ward. She has also worked for more funding for public schools and commercial development. Preckwinkle was the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit against the City of Chicago to institute more racially equitable map of Chicago’s ward boundaries. She co-sponsored the Affordable Housing ordinance which resulted in a 50% increase in city spending on low and middle income housing. Preckwinkle also co-sponsored the living wage ordinances of 1998 and 2002. She joined with other alderman in a fight to eliminate punch card ballots and replace them with newer technology. Preckwinkle sits on five committees: Committees, Rules, and Ethics; Energy, Environmental Protection, and Public Utilities; Finance; Historical Landmark Preservation; and Parks and Recreation. Preckwinkle has a history with independent politics and was the recipient of the 1993, 1995, 1997, and 1999 IVI-IPO Best Alderman awards.

Preckwinkle was first elected Alderman of the 4th Ward in 1991, defeating incumbent Timothy C. Evans. It was her third attempt at the office after narrowly losing to Evans in 1983 and again losing to Evans in 1987.

In the summer of 2006 Preckwinkle came under fire from her community for covering up the murals under the 47 th street underpass. Preckwinkle has since apologized and been reelected in 2007.

Personal life
Alderman Preckwinkle is married with two children.