Mayor Richard Daley is expected to name a North Side restaurateur to the City Council, making him the first openly gay alderman in Chicago’s history, according to Democratic Party sources.
Tom Tunney, operator of Ann Sather Restaurants, would fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Ald. Bernard Hansen (44th).
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Hansen, who announced recently that he would not seek re-election next February because of health problems, said Friday he will leave his post Nov. 30.
Hansen denied any political motive in leaving before the expiration of his term.
But the practical effect of his early departure is that Daley will be able to appoint a successor who then will have the advantage of incumbency when voters go the polls in February.
Hansen said he supports Tunney, and leaders of the 44th Ward Democratic Organization are expected to meet Saturday to officially back him.
Though Daley has been interviewing a number of potential candidates to fill Hansen’s vacancy, party sources reported the favorite is Tunney.
“I am excited about the opportunity to be considered for alderman of the 44th Ward,” said Tunney, 47. “I look forward to working with all the community groups here and fairly represent everyone.”
Tunney acknowledged his appointment would be historic, but at the same time “not that big a deal” because of “a lot of efforts over the last 20 years” that have put gay candidates in office around the country.
The field of contenders expected to face Tunney in February includes attorney Richard Ingram, who also is openly gay.
Ingram, 46, said it would be inappropriate for Daley to appoint anyone to the post who intends to run for a full term in February.