Its alderman is Bernie Stone, who has represented the 50th for decades but is facing a tough race this time around. His base has been conservative-minded Jews--but many of them have moved out of the ward--or have passed on. So Stone is presenting himself to a lot of new faces in this year's election.
Bernie was a vocal opponent of the union-inspired big box "living wage" ordinance that would required businesses such as Wal-Mart and Target to pay their employees more than smaller outfits. Viewing it as business-killing bill, Mayor Richard Daley vetoed it.
The unions haven't forgotten about Stone. From the Chicago "free registration required" Tribune:
Stone's vote against the "big-box" wage ordinance--which would mandate a minimum of $13 an hour in wages and benefits for employees of stores like Wal-Mart--prompted the Chicago Federation of Labor to throw its support behind Brewer, who expects to spend $264,000 on the race.
The Service Employees International Union is campaigning against Stone but has declined to endorse any challengers.
The CFL and SEIU are involved in other aldermanic contests--with that big box bill in mind.
Technorati tags: business big box Wal-Mart target Chicago Illinois Politics unions elections Daley seiu retail labor
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