Joe Moore (politician)

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Joseph Moore (born 1958 Chicago) is a member of the Chicago City Council, representing the 49th Ward. He is a member of the Democratic Party. He was first elected to the City Council in 1991 and re-elected in 1995, 1999, and 2003.

Joe Moore's ward, also known as East Rogers Park, is at the far north of the city, bordered by Lake Michigan on the east, and by Evanston, Illinois to the north.

Moore graduated from Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois with a B.A in 1980 and earned a J.D. in 1984 from DePaul University law school. After graduation he was an attorney for the City from 1984 to 1991.

Moore is known for raising issues he believes to be of national importance in the Chicago City Hall. Moore was one of the first city council members to announce his opposition to a pre-emptive military invasion of Iraq and to the U.S. Patriot Act. Moore was the chief sponsor of an ordinance banning the sale of foie gras, on the grounds that its production includes animal cruelty; after much publicity, the ordinance passed overwhelmingly but has since become controversial. Most recently, Moore served as the chief sponsor of the Big Box Ordinance, a law raising the minimum wage to 10 dollars an hour for companies such as Wal-Mart, Target and Home Depot. The ordinance was vetoed by Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and, while still enjoying the support of most of the Council, failed to garner enough votes to override the veto.

Critics suggest that Alderman Moore's priorities include issues that attract national support from activists, unions, and liberal donors, but which have less direct impact on 49th residents and their needs. Critics point to the loss of affordable housing, lack of economic development and jobs, and poor public schools in the 49th ward as issues demanding more attention from Alderman Moore. Moore also is accused of taking symbolic positions on issues which local government has no bearing or voice, while failing to pass ordinances that have the force of law.

Supporters contend that Moore is one of the few real progressives in the City Council and that his policies support the kind of worker-friendly environment that the city of Chicago has traditionally been known for. Supporters also point out that Alderman Moore's stewardship of the 49th Ward has acted as a brake to unbridled development, thus mitigating the effects of gentrification. A study published in 2006 found, however, that the Rogers Park community area has lost more than 18% of its rental housing supply since 2003 to condo conversions, a loss which was only stemmed by the market bottoming out at the end of 2006. Community projects initiated under Moore's tenure, such as street improvement projects and a long-anticipated community park, have also been slow to develop or left uncompleted altogether.

In his most recent election, Alderman Moore received more than 3,600 votes (or 49%) in a citywide election chronically known for its low voter turn-out. As a consequence, Alderman Moore will face a run-off election on April 17 against community activist and resident Don Gordon who polled 29%.