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 woman who served as mayor of Chicago after the death of  long time Mayor Richard J Daley. Jane Byrne was the first woman to be mayor but her quirky personality undercut her idiosyncratic efforts at political reform. Chicago’s first African-American mayor, Harold Washington was initially elected by a bitterly divided electorate. Despite ongoing battles with the obstinate City Council, he then won a crushing reelection victory. Washington’s 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.

Richard M. Daley served as mayor even longer than his father did!  The significant accomplishments of his first two terms were obscured by a growing number of serious scandals during the later years of his reign.

With Mayor Rahm Emanuel under fire, facing calls to resign, it is fascinating to look at the varied life stories, unique elections and mixed records of the men and woman who have guided Chicago since the death of Richard J. Daley.