Eugene Schulter

Gene Schulter (born November 14, 1947) was alderman of the 47th ward of the City of Chicago. He was first elected in 1975 and served until his retirement in 2011.

Eugene Schulter
Schulter in 2008
City of Chicago Alderman from the 47th Ward
In office
1975–2011
Preceded byJohn J. Hoellen Jr.
Succeeded byAmeya Pawar
Personal details
Born (1947-11-14) November 14, 1947
Political partyDemocratic Party
Spouse(s)Rosemary
ChildrenTwo
ResidenceChicago, Illinois
ProfessionPolitician

Early life

Schulter is the youngest of five children, all raised in Chicago. He attended John Audubon School and later graduated from Lake View High School in 1965. Schulter earned his bachelor's degree from Loyola University. He was also awarded a Law Degree. Schulter also earned a post graduate degree from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Aldermanic career

In 1975, Schulter was recruited by 47th Ward Committeeman and Chicago Park District Superintendent Ed Kelly to run for City Council in the ward against John J. Hoellen Jr., a foe of mayor Richard J. Daley who was also running against Daley in the coinciding mayoral election.[1] He won the election. He was only 26, making him one of the youngest aldermen to serve in the city council.

As alderman, Schulter has worked for license reform. Schulter is responsible for legislation that guaranteed equitable citywide cable services and set asides for minorities; he led the drive for more community input on parks; and sponsored the city's Landscape Oridnance which requires the incorporation of landscape plans and planting of trees for every new residential, commercial, or industrial development.

Schulter highlights the Sulzer Regional Library as a major ward achievement. Also, he has worked to build a field house at Chase Park, fostered revitalization of Lincoln Square Mall, fought against negligent and delinquent landlords in the ward, and supported the development of the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor.

Currently, Schulter is chairman of the Committee on License and Consumer Protection. Additionally, he serves on six other committees: Budget and Government Relations; Finance; Committees, Rules and Ethics; Traffic Control and Safety; Zoning; and Parks and Recreation.

In 2008, Schulter expended a portion of his aldermanic expense account as a salary for his daughter, Monica.[2][3][4] The City ordinance prohibits the spending of aldermanic expense funds for "the direct monetary benefit of any alderman or any of his or her relatives."[5]

In 2011, Schulter announced his retirement from the city council. The open seat was subsequently won by Ameya Pawar. Pawar garnered under 51% of all votes cast, narrowly avoiding a runoff against Schulter ally Tom O'Donnell.[6]

Professional career

Schulter is a paid director of North Community Bank, a bank in Chicago with locations in the 47th ward.[7][8]

Personal life

Schulter is married to his wife, Rosemary. They have two children together.

References
  1. Joravsky, Ben (25 June 2009). "The Grand Old Party's Last Stand". Chicago Reader. Retrieved 2 June 2020.
  2. Dardick, Hal; Mark, Ryan; Germuska, Joe; Boyer, Brian (2009-08-15). "City Council's $3.7 million allowance: How aldermen spent taxpayer money". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2009-12-22.
  3. Dardick, Hal (2009-08-15). "What's in Chicago aldermanic expense accounts?". Chicago Tribune]. Retrieved 2009-08-18.
  4. Dardick, Hal (2009-08-15). "What's in Chicago aldermen's expense accounts; See how they spend the funds on car leases, a job for mom and more". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2009-12-22.
  5. Dardick, Hal; Mihalopoulos, Dan (2009-08-21). "Ald. George Cardenas rents ward office from family". Chicago Tribune]. Retrieved 2009-08-21.
  6. Dizikes, Cynthia; Dardick, Hal (2011-02-23). "In 47th Ward, a long-shot outsider relishes his victory". Chicago Tribune.
  7. Mihalopoulos, Dan (2008-05-02). "What's your alderman's side job?". Chicago Tribune]. Retrieved 2009-07-08.
  8. Spielman, Fran (2007-05-02). "Ald. Burke loses 10 blue-chip clients; replaces them". Chicago Sun-Times.
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