Jim Gardiner (Chicago politician)

Last updated

Jim Gardiner
Member of the Chicago City Council
from the 45th ward
Assumed office
May 20, 2019

James M. Gardiner [1] (born April 17, 1976) is a Chicago politician and firefighter who serves as the alderman for the 45th ward in the Chicago City Council. Elected to the Chicago City Council in 2019, Gardiner identified as a political independent; however, he would later switch to the Democratic Party and currently serves as the 45th Ward Democratic Committeeperson.

Contents

Since his time in office, Gardiner has become embroiled in several controversies, including an abuse of power lawsuit, alleged ethics violations, and using misogynistic language.

Background

Gardiner was born on April 17, 1976, to Irish immigrant parents, the youngest of seven children. He graduated from Notre Dame High School and from Saint Xavier University in 2002 with a degree in teaching. Gardiner is a firefighter with the Chicago Fire Department, but has taken a leave of absence. [2]

Political career

In the February 2019 Chicago City Council election, Gardiner defeated incumbent John Arena, obtaining 50.9% of the vote to Arena's 36.2%. [3] Gardiner was elected to the 45th Ward Democratic Committeeperson position in March 2020, defeating challenger Ellen Hill by 292 votes. [4]

Gardiner is a member of the Democratic Party, but identified as an independent before 2019. [5] [2] Gardiner believes in the legalization and taxation of recreational marijuana. [6] Gardiner is not in favor of an increase in property taxes, municipal taxes, and real estate transfer taxes. He is also not in favor of the LaSalle Street Tax. [6] Gardiner does not believe stricter gun control laws will reduce the amount of illegal firearms, but believes educating the youth on the dangers of illegal guns will help reduce gun violence. [6] When campaigning, Gardiner said he believes in keeping Chicago a sanctuary city, and preventing the Chicago Police Department from detaining illegal immigrants, [6] however, on January 27, 2021, Gardiner was one of eight Aldermen to vote against strengthening the City's Welcoming City ordinance. [7]

In the 2023 aldermanic election, Gardiner faced five challengers. Prior to the election, Axios noted that Gardiner could be helped by a redistricting that made his district more conservative. [8] The Chicago Tribune endorsed Megan Mathias in the election. [9] In the general election, Gardiner received 48% of the votes, resulting in a runoff between him and Mathias, who was second place and received 16.86% of the vote. [10] Gardiner won the runoff with 55.22% of the vote. [11]

Justin Kaufman wrote in Axios that Gardiner is the "most controversial alder in the council." [8]

In November 2020, Gardiner was sued for alleged abuse of power and false arrest of a ward resident. Gardiner's co-defendants include 45th Ward Superintendent Charles Sikanich and seven Chicago police officers. [12] The lawsuit alleges that Gardiner used his capacity as an alderman to have a construction worker arrested after he found a ward workers cell phone that was mistakenly left at a 7-Eleven; in March 2022, a federal judge green lighted the lawsuit to continue. [13] [14] . The City of Chicago ultimately paid a $100,000 fine as a result of this lawsuit.

Federal officials are investigating allegations that Gardiner has taken bribes and demanded payments for actions. [15] No charges have cemented from the investigation. [16]

In 2021, a federal lawsuit was filed, Czosnyka v. Gardiner: 21-cv-3240, alleging that Gardiner violated the First Amendment by blocking critics from his official Facebook page. The lawsuit highlighted issues of free speech and the right of constituents to engage with their elected officials on social media. in 2023 federal judge Sharon Johnson Coleman ruled that Gardiner's actions violated the First Amendment, marking a significant victory for plaintiffs in the case. [17]

In September 2021, private text messages between Gardiner and Alderman Scott Waguespack revealed Gardiner using disparaging and misogynistic language to describe Waguespack's female chief of staff. The comments were condemned by many Chicago political leaders, including Mayor Lori Lightfoot. Gardiner apologized for the statements. [18] [19]

In July 2023, the Board of Ethics found probable cause that Gardiner violated the Government Ethics Ordinance, according to sources of Block Club Chicago and Chicago Sun-Times . The charges stem from an investigation by the Chicago inspector general, and it's the first-time probable cause has been established in an investigation related to an alderman. In 2019, Gardiner allegedly, in an act of retaliation, directed city employees to give a $600 citation to a political opponent for overgrown weeds and rodents at the man's residence. Gardiner was fined $20,000 by the Board of Ethics. [20] [21] [22]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anthony Beale</span> American politician

Anthony A. Beale is an American politician and the alderman of the 9th ward of the City of Chicago, Illinois United States. Beale is noted as having been one of the youngest members to serve as elected official on the City of Chicago's City Council. Beale was first elected in 1999. In 2023 Beale was elected dto his seventh term in office. In 2013, Beale was an unsuccessful candidate in the Democratic primary for the special election to replace Jesse Jackson Jr. as U.S. Congressman from Illinois' 2nd congressional district.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tom Tunney</span> Entrepreneur and politician from Chicago, Illinois

Thomas M. Tunney is an American politician and entrepreneur from Chicago, Illinois. From 2003 to 2023, he served as an alderman on the Chicago City Council. He represented the prominent 44th Ward of the city, which includes major tourist destinations, Northalsted and Wrigleyville neighborhoods. He was also vice mayor from 2019 to 2023.

Carrie Austin is alderman of the 34th ward on Chicago's far south side. The predominantly African-American ward includes portions of Morgan Park, Roseland, Washington Heights and West Pullman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pat Dowell</span> American politician

Pat Dowell is a member of the Chicago City Council representing the City of Chicago's 3rd ward in Cook County, Illinois. Dowell was elected in April 2007 in a runoff election against incumbent Dorothy Tillman. Dowell had lost to Tillman in 2003. Dowell is a member of the City Council's Housing and Real Estate, Transportation and the Public Way, Landmarks, Rules and Health committees.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scott Waguespack</span> American politician

Scott Waguespack is a member of the Chicago City Council, representing the 32nd ward since May 2007. The current 32nd ward includes parts of the neighborhoods of Bucktown, Goose Island, Hamlin Park, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, and Roscoe Village. He is a member of the council's Progressive Reform Caucus, and was the chair during 2015–19. During the 2019–23 term, he was selected as the chair of the Finance Committee.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2015 Chicago aldermanic election</span>

The 2015 Chicago aldermanic elections happened on February 24, 2015, to elect the 50 Aldermen that represent Chicago in the City Council. The elections were non-partisan and if no candidate received an absolute majority, a runoff would be held between the top two finishers on April 7, 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Raymond Lopez</span> American politician (born 1978)

Raymond Anthony Lopez is an American politician who is currently a member of the Chicago City Council serving as alderman of the 15th Ward in Chicago, Illinois.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Arena</span> American politician

John Arena is an American politician. A member of the Democratic Party, he represented the 45th ward in the Chicago City Council from 2011 to 2019.

Susan Sadlowski Garza is a member of the Chicago City Council serving as Alderman for the 10th ward. The 10th ward is located on Chicago's southeast side and includes East Side, Hegewisch, Jeffrey Manor, South Chicago and South Deering. She initially assumed office after defeating Rahm Emanuel ally John Pope in the 2015 election. During the 2019–23 term, she was selected to be the chair of the Chicago City Council Progressive Reform Caucus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gilbert Villegas</span> American politician

Gilbert Villegas is an American politician. He is a member of the Chicago City Council, serving as alderperson for the city's 36th ward. The 36th ward includes Belmont-Cragin, Galewood, Hermosa, Humboldt Park, Montclare and Portage Park. Prior to his election to the Chicago City Council, he served as chief of staff of the Illinois Capital Development Board.

Michael Scott Jr. is an American politician, business executive, and member of the Chicago Board of Education. From 2015 to 2022, he served as an alderman in the Chicago City Council representing the 24th ward, which includes portions of North Lawndale, South Austin and West Garfield Park. He is a member of the Democratic Party and was a member of the Chicago Aldermanic Black Caucus while in City Council.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sophia King</span> Politician

Sophia D. King is an American politician and former member of Chicago City Council, who served as alderman from the 4th ward, which includes portions of the neighborhoods Bronzeville, Hyde Park, Kenwood, Oakland, and South Loop. King was appointed to the position in 2016 to replace retiring incumbent Will Burns. She won a special election to serve out the rest term of the term in 2017 and was re-elected to a full term in 2019. She was a member and chair of the City Council's Progressive Reform Caucus. King forwent reelection to the city council in 2023 in order to make an unsuccessful run for mayor of Chicago in the 2023 Chicago mayoral election.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Andre Vasquez</span> American politician

Andre Vasquez is a Chicago politician, community organizer, and former rapper. He is the alderman of the city's 40th ward. He won election to that office after defeating incumbent Patrick O'Connor in the 2019 Chicago aldermanic elections. Vasquez is a member of the Chicago chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Byron Sigcho-Lopez</span> American politician

Byron Sigcho-Lopez is a Chicago politician and community activist. He is the alderman of Chicago's 25th ward, having taken office as a member of the Chicago City Council in May 2019. He won an open race to succeed outgoing alderman Daniel Solis in the 2019 Chicago aldermanic election. He is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America. He was elected as 25th Ward Democratic Committeeperson in 2020.

Rossana Rodríguez-Sánchez is a Chicago politician and community organizer. She is the alderwoman of Chicago's 33rd ward, having taken office as a member of the Chicago City Council in May 2019. She won election to that office after defeating incumbent Deb Mell in the 2019 Chicago aldermanic elections. She is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chicago City Council Progressive Reform Caucus</span> Issue-based group of legislators in the Chicago City Council

The Progressive Reform Caucus of the Chicago City Council is a bloc of aldermen in the Chicago City Council that was formed in 2013. Its stated mission statement is "creating a more just and equal Chicago, combating all forms of discrimination, and advancing public policies that offer genuine opportunity to all Chicagoans, especially those who have been left out of our society’s prosperity." As of the 2019-23 term, it had 18 members, out of the council's 50 aldermen.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2023 Chicago mayoral election</span>

The 2023 Chicago mayoral election was held on February 28, 2023, to elect the mayor of Chicago, Illinois. With no candidate receiving a majority of votes in the initial round of the election, a runoff election was held on April 4. This two-round election took place alongside other 2023 Chicago elections, including races for City Council, city clerk, city treasurer, and police district councils. The election was officially nonpartisan, with winner Brandon Johnson being elected to a four-year term which began on May 15.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2023 Chicago aldermanic election</span> Election in Chicago, Illinois, USA to elect members of City Council

The 2023 Chicago aldermanic election took place in two rounds on February 28 and April 4, 2023, to elect 50 alderpersons to the Chicago City Council. Each alderperson represents one of Chicago's 50 wards. The elections are non-partisan and use a two-round system where the top two finishers compete in a second-round runoff if no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote in the first round. The elections are part of the 2023 Chicago elections, which include elections for Mayor, City Clerk, and City Treasurer.

Nicole T. Lee is an American politician in Chicago, Illinois. She is a member of the Chicago City Council as the alderwoman for the 11th ward, which includes portions of Bridgeport, New City, and Chinatown. She took office in March 2022, after being appointed to fill the vacancy created by the removal of Patrick Daley Thompson. She was elected to a full term in 2023. She is the second Asian American and first Chinese American to serve on the City Council.

Timmy Knudsen is an American politician, currently serving in the Chicago City Council as alderman for the 43rd ward. He was appointed to the position by Mayor Lori Lightfoot and confirmed by the City Council in September 2022, following the retirement of Michele Smith. The 43rd ward is on Chicago's North Side, including much of Lincoln Park and a small portion of the Near North Side.

References

  1. "45th Ward | Alderman James M. Gardiner | Chicago". Official 45th Ward. Retrieved 22 September 2021.
  2. 1 2 Minnis, Glenn. "No shortage of potential Arena challengers in 45th Ward". chicagocitywire.com. Retrieved 14 June 2019.
  3. "Jim Gardiner". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 20 January 2020.
  4. "Board of Election Commissioners for the City of Chicago". chicagoelections.gov. Retrieved 2021-01-14.
  5. Board, CST Editorial (27 January 2019). "45th Ward candidat for alderman: James "Jim" Gardiner". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 25 November 2019.
  6. 1 2 3 4 Board, CST Editorial (27 January 2019). "45th Ward candidat for alderman: James "Jim" Gardiner". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 20 January 2020.
  7. Spielman, Fran (2021-01-27). "City Council eliminates carve-outs to strengthen Welcoming City ordinance". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2021-02-06.
  8. 1 2 Kaufmann, Justin (22 February 2023). "Chicago voting guide: City Council". Axios. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
  9. "Editorial: Our choices for City Council: Wards 45-50". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
  10. Bauer, Kelly (15 March 2023). "Ald. Jim Gardiner Is Headed To A Runoff Against Megan Mathias In 45th Ward Race". Block Club Chicago. Retrieved 16 March 2023.
  11. Parrella-Aureli, Ariel (5 April 2023). "Ald. Jim Gardiner Wins Reelection In Far Northwest Side's 45th Ward". Block Club Chicago. Retrieved 26 April 2023.
  12. Schuba, Tom (2020-11-24). "After picking up lost phone, construction worker claims he was wrongfully arrested, harassed by Chicago alderman". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2021-02-06.
  13. "Big issues in Gardiner's reelection bid in 45th Ward are crime, development — and Gardiner himself". Chicago Sun-Times. 16 February 2023. Retrieved 24 February 2023.
  14. "Judge allows harassment suit over lost cellphone to go forward against embattled Ald. Jim Gardiner". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 24 February 2023.
  15. "Feds Probe Gardiner for Bribery, Pay-to-Play: Sources". WTTW News. Retrieved 24 February 2023.
  16. "FBI: Gardiner got developer who'd been 'good to me' ticket to Lightfoot reform inaugural in suspected bribery scheme". Chicago Sun-Times. 26 May 2023. Retrieved 10 August 2023.
  17. "Czosnyka v. Gardiner, 21-cv-3240 | Casetext Search + Citator". casetext.com. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  18. Dudek, Mitch (3 September 2021). "Alderman goes on apology tour after leak of profane texts". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 7 September 2021.
  19. "Ald. Jim Gardiner Calls Constituent And Fellow Alderman A 'B-tch,' Rips His Critics In Leaked Text Messages". Block Club Chicago. 3 September 2021. Retrieved 9 September 2021.
  20. "Ald. Jim Gardiner fined $20,000 for retaliating against critic - CBS Chicago". www.cbsnews.com. 17 October 2023. Retrieved 27 October 2023.
  21. "Lori Lightfoot, Ald. Jim Gardiner accused of ethics violations that could trigger fines". Chicago Sun-Times. 14 July 2023. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  22. Parrella-Aureli, Ariel (14 July 2023). "Ald. Jim Gardiner Violated Ethics Rules By Slapping Outspoken Critic With 'Unfounded' Ticket, Watchdog Says". Block Club Chicago. Retrieved 2 August 2023.