Tom Tunney

Thomas M. Tunney (born August 22, 1955) is an American entrepreneur and politician from Chicago, Illinois. Since 2003, he has served as an alderman on the Chicago City Council. He represents the prominent 44th Ward of the city, which includes major tourist destinations, Boystown and Wrigleyville neighborhoods.

Education

Tunney was born and raised in the southwest side of Chicago. After graduating from Brother Rice, a local Catholic high school, he attended the University of Illinois where he obtained his bachelor's degree in restaurant management. Tunney succeeded in obtaining a master's degree in hotel administration from Cornell University.

Entrepreneur

Returning from college, Tunney settled into the Lakeview neighborhood. Hearing that Ann Sather was retiring and closing her restaurant in Lakeview in 1981, Tunney met with Sather, offering a proposal to purchase her business. Tunney gained full ownership of the Ann Sather Restaurant and expanded it into a successful local chain.^[1][2]

Tunney joined several prestigious entrepreneurial circles and became chairman of the Illinois Restaurant Association. He founded and led the Lakeview Center Business Association and White Crane Wellness Center. As a result of his success, Tunney was inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame in 1995.

Public service

Tunney opened his restaurants to grassroots and nonprofit organizations as town halls, serving as free meeting places. He committed himself to helping people with HIV and AIDS through programs he created, adopted by the Illinois Masonic Hospital. With a growing business network, Tunney became a fundraiser for local gay and lesbian political advocacy groups.^{[citation needed]}

Tunney chaired the small business subcommittee of the Chicago Economic Development Committee. Mayor Richard M. Daley appointed Tunney to the mayor's Parking Task Force.^{[citation needed]}

Alderman

In 2002, just months before the 2003 municipal elections, 44th Ward Alderman Bernie Hansen announced that he would retire. Hansen resigned just months before the election so as to allow the mayor to appoint the replacement alderman. Mayor Richard M. Daley, with Hansen's consent, nominated Tunney to replace Hansen in December 2002. Tunney's nomination was confirmed by a 41–0 vote of the city council on January 16, 2003, and, with the support of the political machine of Chicago's Democratic Party,^{[citation needed]} Tunney was elected to a four-year term as alderman on February 25, 2003. He has been re-elected twice, in 2007 and 2011.

During his campaign Tunney claimed that he would address the potential conflict of interest which would arise through his business arrangements by selling his interest in four restaurants. After being elected and sworn in, Tunney decided not to sell.^[3]

Tunney introduced an ordinance repealing Chicago's ban on foie gras in July 2007 and spearheaded passage of the repeal on May 14, 2008.^[4][5]

Tunney denied unattributed published reports that he supports moving or demolish the iconic scoreboard at Wrigley Field to clear the view for nearby rooftops owners.^[6][7] Yet, despite his earlier denial at attempting to gain extra clearance for rooftop owners, Tunney demanded a reduction in the size of the proposed scoreboard.^[8]

Personal

Tunney is the cousin of Robin Tunney, who plays Agent Lisbon on The Mentalist.^[9]

Tunney is one of two openly gay members of the Chicago City Council, alongside James Cappleman of the 46th Ward.^[10]

References

External links

• Citizens for Tunney political action committee website
• Office of Alderman Tom Tunney
• Homepage on the City Council website
• Biography in the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame

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