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Richard J . Daley. The Most Debatab le Mayor in Chicago’s History. Overview. Mayor from 1955 – 1976 Elected to 5 terms Operated one of most efficient, notorious political machines in American history
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Richard J. Daley The Most Debatable Mayor in Chicago’s History
Overview • Mayor from 1955 – 1976 • Elected to 5 terms • Operated one of most efficient, notorious political machines in American history • Widely regarded as the mayor who saved Chicago from the fate of many other Midwestern cities. • Died on December 20th, 1976
Early Life • Born and raised in Bridgeport (third of five mayors) • Irish Catholic • Parents instilled a desire for professional excellence
Democratic Machine • Patronage and gifts for supporters • Close ties to aldermen in City Council • Connection to national Democratic politicians, including: JFK, LBJ, and other politicians who do not have a three letter acronym for their name. • Many Daley administration workers charged with corruption, but he was never.
Accomplishments • Kept Chicago from downfall of other rust-belt cities (Detroit, Cleveland) • Revitalized Loop • McCormick Place, UIC, O’Hare, Sears Tower • Kept Chicago in great fiscal standing
Controversy • 1968 • MLK assassination aftermath • "I said to him very emphatically and very definitely that an order be issued by him immediately to shoot to kill any arsonist or anyone with a Molotov cocktail in his hand, because they’re potential murderers, and to shoot to maim or cripple anyone looting.” • Democratic Convention • The Dan Ryan Expressway • Public Housing and Racial Segregation