Walter Burnett Jr.

Walter Burnett, Jr.
City of Chicago Alderman
from the 27th Ward
Assumed office
May 1995 (1995-05)
Preceded by Dexter Watson
Personal details
Born (1963-08-16) August 16, 1963
Illinois Medical District
Political party Democratic
Spouse(s)
Darlena Burnett (m. 1991)
Children Two sons
Residence Chicago, Illinois
Alma mater Northeastern Illinois University (B.A.)
Profession Alderman
Website Official website

Walter Burnett Jr. has served as the alderman for Chicago's 27th ward since his first election in 1995. The 27th ward includes the West Loop, Greektown, East Garfield Park, Near North Side, Old Town, West Humboldt Park, West Town, Goose Island and the Illinois Medical District.[1]

Early life and education

Walter Burnett, Jr. was born August 16, 1963 at Cook County Hospital in the Illinois Medical District.[2][3] Burnett served two years in jail for armed bank robbery in Kankakee.[4]

Political career

Burnett had an 11-year career working for the Cook County government, where he had a variety of jobs including working as special assistant to Jesse White who was then Cook County Recorder of Deeds. Burnett later worked on Jesse White's campaign for Illinois Secretary of State.[3]

Public service

Burnett pleaded guilty to armed robbery and was released from prison in 1984, showing his commitment to serving the public. He was pardoned by Governor Jim Edgar in 1995.[5]

Aldermanic career

Despite a 1993 Illinois state law that barred felons from holding local office, Burnett ran for alderman in the new 27th ward.[4] Burnett defeated Dexter Watson, a protege of Rickey R. Hendon who had been appointed to succeed Hendon after Hendon's election to the Illinois Senate.[3]

Burnett paid his mother, Dorothy Burnett, nearly $20,000 in 2008 from his taxpayer-funded aldermanic expense allowance. "I have no problem helping my mother," Burnett said. "That's my mother."[6] Concerning Burnett, a journalist commented that "when he does speak up, he often comes across as unpolished, unscripted, and unsophisticated—an entertaining but lightweight elected official who follows orders so he can enjoy the comforts of political incumbency." Noted also however was his knowledge of the ward and its long history as being an underprivileged and difficult environment.[7]

Personal life

Alderman Burnett is married to Darlena Williams-Burnett. Williams-Burnett challenged incumbent Congressman Danny K. Davis in the February, 2010 Democratic primary and lost.[8]

References

  1. ↑ Lulay, Stephanie (2015-02-24). "Longtime Ald. Walter Burnett Wins 27th Ward Election, Landing Sixth Term". DNAinfo.com. Archived from the original on 2016-08-15. Retrieved 2016-06-20.
  2. ↑ "About Me - Facebook".
  3. 1 2 3 Dumke, Mick (2012-01-09). "The making of an alderman". Chicago Reader. Retrieved 2016-06-20.
  4. 1 2 "Criminal Past A Shadow New Alderman Just Can't Shed". Chicago Tribune. 1995-04-30. Retrieved 2016-06-20.
  5. ↑ "Criminal Past A Shadow New Alderman Just Can't Shed". tribunedigital-chicagotribune. Retrieved 2017-06-22.
  6. ↑ Dardick, Hal (2009-08-15). "What's in Chicago aldermanic expense accounts?". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2009-08-18.
  7. ↑ Dumke, Mick. "The making of an alderman". Chicago Reader. Retrieved 2017-06-22.
  8. ↑ Dumke, Mick (2010-01-28). "Congressman Danny Davis Faces Some Real Opposition For Once". Chicago Reader. Retrieved 2010-01-29.
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