Vi Daley

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Vi Daley (born February 19, 1943) is the alderman of the 43rd Ward (map) in Chicago. A member of the Democratic Party, she was first elected to the Chicago City Council in 1999. She represents part of the city's North Side, including the Lincoln Park area. Although she shares her surname with Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, there is no relation.

1 Public Service
2 Aldermanic career
3 Personal life
4 References
5 External links

[edit] Public Service

Before becoming alderman, Daley worked as chief of staff to her predecessor, Charles Bernardini.

Daley has been active in many community organizations and before working with Bernardini, Daley was Executive Director of the Friends of Lincoln Park. She was also president and board member of the Mid-North Association, where she was involved in development agreements reached by neighborhood committees.

Daley is currently on the Board of Trustees of the Advisory Board for St. Vincent de Paul Center and Grant Hospital. She is also a member the Old Town Triangle Association and the now defunct Lincoln Park Conservation Association

[edit] Aldermanic career

Daley first worked in the 43rd ward alderman's office as chief of staff for Alderman Bernardini. Bernardini no longer wanted the job, so just after his re-election he handed it over to Vi Daley, and she was appointed to the position. When she finally came up for election, she then had the advantage of incumbancy. This is an established political practice of Chicago's democratic machine. It is estimated that more than 50% of Chicago's city council acquired the job through appointments. Daley was first elected alderman in 1999 and was re-elected in 2003. Her supporters say she has tried to strike a balance between developers and residents in her congested ward. Others would say her advocacy of downzoning initiatives and blanket landmarking proposals suggest an erratic and unbalanced approach. Vi Daley is married to a real estate broker and developer.

As alderman in a ward of over 60,000 citizens, Daley highlights her work to redevelop Cummings Playground located across from the entrance to the Lincoln Park Zoo.

Daley serves on seven committees: Rules and Ethics; Economic, Capital and Technology Development; Energy, Environmental Protection and Public Utilities; Historical Landmark Preservation; Parks and Recreation; Special Events and Cultural Affairs; and zoning.