Hotel takes aim at 'aldermanic prerogative'

Chicago Journal:

Does Chicago’s tradition of “aldermanic prerogative” — which grants city council members power over much ward-level zoning and development decisions — violate equal protection rights guaranteed under the 14th Amendment of the Constitution?

Does such a prerogative even exist?

Those are some of the questions attorneys representing the Congress Plaza Hotel and the City of Chicago started debating at a trial in federal court that started July 8.

In 2007, the Congress Hotel alleged in a lawsuit that the city and Ald. Robert Fioretti, whose 2nd Ward includes the hotel, conditioned issuance of various permits, including those for a rooftop expansion and a sidewalk café, on the resolution of the now six-year-old strike at the hotel.

By doing so, the suit claimed, Fioretti and the city interfered in federal law that governs labor disputes, among other violations. The city denied the allegations.
...
“In the City of Chicago, the Alderman of the ward where building and construction takes place must approve the proposed construction plans before the various city departments will issue necessary permits,” the suit reads, an allegation city lawyers denied.

Fioretti told Chicago Journal aldermen do not have complete sway over what happens in the areas they represent.

“Sure we should know everything that’s going on in the ward — we weren’t elected to be without a voice,” he said. “But there’s not an untold privilege alderman have in their wards. Anybody that thinks that is naïve.”

Honestly I take no issue with the idea of Aldermanic prerogative. Just like any practice or understanding it can be abused. I could call this, if true about Fioretti, a case of abuse though at least Fioretti isn't being bribed he's just supporting a local union.

Via Progress Illinois!