Openly gay Chicago Ald. Tom Tunney issued a statement in response to rumors that he may seek the mayor's post some day. His statement was made after Chicago Sun-Times columnist Laura Washington's April 26 column about the topic.
"I am a longtime ally of Mayor Daley," Tunney said, "and encourage him
to run for re-election. However, if he chooses not to seek another term, I am interested in exploring the possibility of running for mayor. I will not consider it until the mayor makes his decision."
Tunney, well known not just as alderman of Chicago's 44th Ward on the North Side but also for the popular Ann Sather restaurants, said that as a "life-long resident of Chicago, a small business owner for 30 years, member of the LGBT community and a two-term member of the City Council, I believe I would bring a unique background and perspective to what our city, residents and businesses need to move forward."
Issues Tunney cares about include public safety, the underfunding of the city's pension plans, the implications of privatization of city services and further leasing of city assets. He also recently issued a request for proposals for an LGBTQ-inclusive senior housing facility at the corner of Halsted and Addison.
Rahm Emanuel, a former U.S. representative from the same area and, now, President Barack Obama's White House chief of staff, has also indicated he may seek the post. Many in the gay community are still upset with Emanuel's orchestration of the military "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" gay ban controversy under President Bill Clinton.
Tracy Baim