Tom Tunney, alderman of Chicago's 44th Ward, intends to vote on a city ordinance that, some say, presents a conflict of interest. Tunney will vote on the Chicago food truck ordinance, which would allow cooking and serving of food from trucks in Chicago.
Tunney has expressed concerns that such trucks could threaten Chicago restaurants if not regulated properly. However, Tunney might have more at stake than resident concerns; he owns the Ann Sather restaurants, of which there are four.
Some have argued that requires Tunney to abstain from voting.
The Board of Ethics website says that alderman are required to refrain from voting if they have an "economic interest distinguishable from that of the general public."
Tunney said that matter has already been resolved.
"I contacted the Board of Ethics and they informed me that I have no conflict of interest concerning this legislation," he said in a recent statement released to Windy City Times. "In fact, my long-term experience as a restaurateur provides valuable insight into the affects that this legislation will have on the industry."
According to the statement, Tunney co-sponsored a 2010 bill in support of food trucks because he wanted to "replicate the success they have had in other urban areas."
However, he said, he has concerns about the current proposal on the table. That proposal, introduced by Ald. Scott Waguespack, requires food trucks to stay at least 200 feet from restaurants.
Tunney's office did not respond to a request to clarify how he would amend the current proposal, nor did his office respond when asked if the media attention on him had made him rethink his decision to vote.
"I look forward to working closely with my fellow aldermen to pass an ordinance, but it is going to require continued and careful consideration as to how it affects local businesses and how it addresses the concerns that residents in neighborhoods targeted by the food trucks might have," Tunney concluded in his statement.