From Richard J. To Rahm: Modern Mayors Of Chicago

For two tumultuous decades, Richard J Daley was indisputably the all powerful mayor of the city of Chicago. From 1955 until 1976, his name was synonymous with “The City That Works.” At times, it seemed as if he would be mayor for ever. When he died very suddenly, the city was shocked to learn that there was no clear-cut successor outlined in city ordinances! For a full week, it was not clear from either a legal or a political standpoint who actually had succeeded him as mayor.

In this fascinating and unique multimedia series, we will look at the colorful, charismatic, controversial men and women who served as mayor of Chicago after the death of Richard J Daley. Jane Byrne was the first woman to be mayor but her quirky personality undercut her efforts at reform. Harold Washington was elected by a divided electorate and then one of crushing reelection victory. His attempts to change the way Chicago does business ended abruptly with his death in office early in his second term. Richard M Daley wanted to move Chicago into becoming a technological city as opposed to an industrial mecca. Although he served as mayor longer than his father, the constant controversies, scandals, and arrests of his allies marred the legacy of a mayor who rebuilt Chicago’s image.