Neighboring alderman released from hospital

Ald. Joann Thompson who represents the 16th Ward which is largely the Englewood neighbood was released from the hospital. She was listed by Clout St. as a freshman (or rookie if you want to be PC) Alderman.

First-term Ald. Joann Thompson (16th) was resting at home today after spending a couple days in the hospital, her top aide said.

Thompson was hospitalized after becoming “nauseous and dizzy at a function” on Saturday, chief of staff Debbie Blair said.

She said Thompson, whose ward includes the Englewood neighborhood on the South Side, failed to take prescribed medication and was hospitalized until Monday.

Also it should be noted and it's unfortunate that I had to list it under a serving Alderman and this man is noteworthy for certain, but I didn't want to neglect him at all.

Crain's:

Former Chicago Alderman Leon Despres, an often lonely independent voice on the Chicago City Council during the reign of Mayor Richard J. Daley, died Wednesday. He was 101.

A Hyde Park resident, Mr. Despres served for two decades in the City Council after he was elected in 1955, coming to office at the same time as Mr. Daley and retiring a year before the mayor’s death in 1976.

During that momentous era, he was best known as an opponent of Mr. Daley and his tight-fisted control over city politics and the Cook County Democratic Party, a disciplined ward organization known as the Machine.

In fact, Mr. Despres titled his 2005 memoir “Challenging the Daley Machine.” The relationship was best summarized by Mr. Daley’s tendency to switch off Mr. Despres’ microphone during vigorous council debate.

“He stamped a possibility of reform on city politics,” said Abner Mikva, a Hyde Park political ally. “He demonstrated that a single voice can make difference, even when there are 49 others and a mayor going the other way.”

May he rest in peace. May there be other city council mavericks!