Chicago alderman proposes pay raise for council

June 14, 2006 (WLS) -- Some Chicago aldermen are suggesting a change in salary. There's growing support for a pay raise, but the general election may play a role in how much more money they get.

Chicago aldermen make $98,000 a year for jobs that are technically part-time. However, most council members said they work 24/7 and they deserve a raise. Under state law, they have to vote on salary issues before the election, which forces them to make controversial decisions now. Those decisions can be used against them by opponents come February.

"I'm tired of just sitting around and hearing whispers. I'd like it on the table. And that's why I introduced the ordinance ," said Ald. Bernard Stone, 50th Ward.

Ald. Stone has been a councilman for so long he doesn't worry about political fallout. He's leading the push for a pay raise of $5,000 a year for the next four years. Right now, at the $98,000 salary, Chicago is the second highest paid city council salary in the country. Only Los Angeles is higher. Even with the final raise, which brings the total to $118,000, Chicago would stay in second place. But that amount is well above New York and San Francisco.

"We have saloons that erupt like volcanoes. I go out on the street with the cops and close them down. How many cities have that kind of service?" said Ald. Burton Natarus, 42nd Ward.

Alderman Natarus, who has been around almost as long as Alderman Stone, is the only council member to support the pay raise publicly.

"Whether or not folks are embarrassed or afraid to talk about it, we're 256 days from election day," said Ald. Ricardo Munoz, 22nd Ward.

Munoz and others are suggesting cost-of-living increases instead of fixed dollar amounts.

"Cost of living, yeah. It might be easier for people to understand. Because most people on jobs get a cost of living raise as the economy grows," said one Chicago voter. "I don't want them to vote $20,000 or $30,000 raise, no."

Cost of living seems to be a fair request to most Chicagoans.

"Not more. Hopefully less," said Walter Schmit, Chicago voter.

The cost of living this year is around 4%. Last year was 5.7%. So it might actually average out at $5,000 over the next four years. That's harder to attack politically than the fixed amount. So we'll see how it plays out over the next few weeks.

You can see the ABC7 report by clicking on the video icon above.  You will need Windows Media Player 9 or higher to view this video. You can get it FREE by clicking here. NOTE: Video clips will only be available for 5-days from the date they were created. ALSO: Video clips will play in a separate window on Mac OS X machines, you may also see a video help screen.

Get more News »

• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•