Cubbies and Civil Rights: A Conversation with Chicago Alderman Thomas M. Tunney

Thomas M. Tunney is the first and only openly gay member of the Chicago City Council. Elected in February 2003, he serves as alderman of the 44th Ward, which includes Wrigley Field and Boystown.

How did you decide to transition from restaurant entrepreneurship to public service work?

As owner of Ann Sather, a restaurant in the 44^th ward, I was a local community leader for many years. I made the decision to enter into public service at the urging of former Mayor Daley and other citywide public servants. I run the 44th Ward office similarly to how I run Ann Sather:  with the goal of providing quick, efficient, and friendly service to the community.

What are your favorite aspects of public service work as an alderman? What are the toughest?

My favorite part of being an alderman is that I have the ability to effect real change in the neighborhood I love and have lived in for over 30 years.

The toughest part of being an alderman occurs when there is no solution that leaves everybody happy.  As one might imagine, this occurs frequently in local politics.  For an example, consider Wrigley Field.  The ballpark and its associated businesses are an undeniable economic engine for the neighborhood, but it is also closely surrounded by residents. Both groups have different priorities and concerns and each group is equally important to the neighborhood.  My job is to find the fairest compromise between both groups when various issues arise. This helps to keep the peace between both parties and allows everyone to live and work together amicably – but it is never easy to arrive at these compromises.

The 44^th Ward plays a dual role as home to an incredibly diverse group of Chicagoans and the major tourist destinations of Wrigleyville and Boystown. How do you enact policy that is optimal for both Chicagoans and tourists?

The 44th Ward is perhaps the most unique ward in the entire City as a destination hot spot. The largest concentrated LGBT entertainment area in the country is situated just a few blocks from one of the most popular baseball stadiums and nightlife districts in the nation.  On top of that, our ward is a mix of college students, families, and seniors.  I am constantly finding ways to foster positive local business growth while protecting the quality-of-life and infrastructure for our residents.  It’s all about a friendly balance.

There are rumors of LGBT-friendly affordable housing for seniors within the ward. How did you weigh the costs and benefits of such a proposal and how has its development progressed?

This is a project that I am particularly proud of and have been working on for over five years. I do my best to look for any opportunity to provide additional affordable senior housing for the ward, an issue which I believe is critical city-wide. I wanted to have a specifically safe environment for our aging LGBT seniors, who helped build Halsted Street into the thriving business district it is today.

The greatest breakthrough for the project came when Mayor Daley agreed to sell property to the developers, Heartland Housing, for $1. This was a gesture widely seen as his parting gift to the LGBT community. At this point, the development is in Stage 2 and is expected to break ground in 2013.

While the fight for civil rights, such as gay marriage, has largely played out at the federal and state level, is there room for cities to be instrumental as well?

Indeed there is. While the issue of gay marriage is largely going to play out in state and federal courts, cities nationwide have found ways to fight for LGBT rights. In 2009, in fact, I passed an ordinance that would offer equal health and bereavement benefits for city employees and their domestic partners.

You do a lot of work with the LGBT population and AIDS. Do you receive a lot of support from the City of Chicago’s public health department? What would you like to see changed with regards to city health policies?

City (and State) resources for HIV/AIDS testing and treatment have unfortunately been slashed as budgets get tighter and tighter.  The Chicago Department of Public Health does great work but often is just unable to keep up with demand.  Thankfully, we have several excellent HIV/AIDS non-profits in the city that help fill in the gaps, specifically the Test Positive Awareness Network (TPAN) and the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.  I supported these organizations before taking elected office and continue to support their work today.  I believe there can be a great public/private partnership when it comes to HIV/AIDS testing and treatment.

Feature photo: cc/brighter than sunshine