CHICAGO (CBS) — Ald. Leslie Hairston (fifth) introduced Friday that she will probably be retiring on the finish of her present time period subsequent yr, after 24 years in workplace.
“For greater than 30 years, I’ve held jobs serving the general public and it’s time for me to have a look at the following chapter of my life,” Hairston stated in a press release issued late Friday. “Whereas I have never made any choices but, relaxation assured it will likely be lively, engaged and dedicated to creating my neighborhood higher. It simply won’t be as alderperson.”
Hairston’s South Aspect ward contains a lot of the Hyde Park neighborhood – together with the College of Chicago campus – in addition to Jackson Park and components of Woodlawn, South Shore, and Grand Crossing.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot issued a tweet Friday night time thanking Hairston for her many years of service.
Hairston was first elected to the fifth Ward seat in 1999, following a crowded race that resulted in a contentious runoff with one-term incumbent Ald. Barbara Holt.
In 2019, Hairston narrowly received reelection in opposition to activist William Calloway, who had pressed authorities to launch the Laquan McDonald video displaying the teenager being shot 16 instances by Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke.
Hairston listed quite a few achievements and enhancements the ward has seen in her time in workplace, together with an assortment of latest companies, the opening of the Stony Island Arts Financial institution, the renovation of the Shoreland Lodge – which was transformed from a U of C dorm to residences – and the event of the Obama Presidential Library in Jackson Park.
At the least 5 different aldermen have stated they don’t seem to be operating for re-election in 2023. Ald. Raymond Lopez (fifteenth) and Ald. Roderick Sawyer (sixth) each plan to run for mayor as a substitute. Ald. Harry Osterman (forty eighth) and Ald. James Cappleman (forty sixth) each introduced this month they plan to retire on the finish of their phrases. Ald. Carrie Austin (thirty fourth) introduced final yr she wouldn’t run for re-election after she was indicted on bribery costs.
