Only Alderman John Buchanan stopped the predictable steamrolling of the dwindling anti-Daley forces last week. The council was debating an ordinance that would let the mayor appoint 37 of 39 members to a board overseeing Chicago’s economic empowerment zone. Oh, the anti-Daleyites still got steamrolled, of course. Buchanan just made it less predictable.
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Buchanan, whose southeast-side 10th Ward isn’t included in the zone, scoffed good-naturedly at other nonzone aldermen who complained about being left out of its $100 million in federal funds. “I’m very happy that Dorothy, er, Alderman Preckwinkle and Dorothy Tillman are getting some dough in their wards,” declared Buchanan, who also presumably calls detectives “private dicks” and gets “tight” instead of drunk.
Daley, whose laugh rarely rises above his signature giggle, broke up.
“Chair recognizes Alderman Natarus,” said Daley.
“Where, where does it–,” yelled Natarus.
“Chair recognizes Alderman Burke, please,” Daley repeated tiredly.
“I have an ordinance setting the date–,” Burke shouted above Shaw.
