Mary Ann Smith
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Mary Ann Smith is alderman of the 48th ward in Chicago; she was appointed in 1989 by Mayor Richard M. Daley to replace Kathy Osterman; she was first elected in 1991. On February 27th, 2007 she was re-elected to her fifth full term of office.[1]
[edit] Aldermanic career
As alderman, Smith has been particularly concerned with environmental issues; she has earned a United Nations Programme Award for Citizen Action to Protect the Global Environment. She worked with the Chicago Park District to restructure their department and provide more recreational access to all Chicagoans. Smith is also on the Advisory Council on Chicago Green Development.
Smith has tried to implement innovative ideas in her ward, employing new alternative energy and flood control technology. The city’s first water permeable alley was installed in her ward, the system allows for rain gardens to divert water from the sewer system.
In 2000, Smith helped organize the funding for Walkable Edgewater. Her leadership earned an award from the Chicago Civic Federation and a Soles and Spokes award from the Chicago Area Transportation Study.
Additionally, Smith was an early supporter of the Human Rights Ordinance and the Domestic Partner Ordinance.
As a member of the city council, Smith is Chairperson on the Parks and Recreation Committee. Smith serves on seven additional committees: Budget and Government Operations; Buildings; Committees, Rules and Ethics; Finance; Historical Landmark Preservation; License and Consumer Protection; and Traffic Control and Safety.
In 2005 Smith was instrumental in the controversial decision to open Rickover Naval Academy in the facilities of Senn High School. This decision met with intense opposition from residents and anti-war activists concerned about military recruitment of the community's poor.
In 2006 Smith worked with PETA to craft the Elephant Protection Ordinance, which mandates humane treatment of elephants within the City.[2]
