The corruption trial of former Chicago Alderman Edward Burke has been further delayed after a defense lawyer tested positive for COVID-19, with proceedings due to resume on the 16th according to Chicago Tribune. Allegations against former City Council heavyweight Burke involve racketeering, bribery, and attempted extortion, exposing a long-standing culture of questionable practices within Chicago politics.
Featured heavily in the trial are the contentious issues of aldermanic prerogatives, a power enabling council members to make unilateral ward decisions, which a Hoodline article suggests has strengthened the city's culture of corruption.
With the Burke case making headlines, fresh attention's being paid to the concept of aldermanic prerogative and it's contribution to a culture of "quid pro quo" city politics, as noted in an article by the Chicago Sun-Times. The prosecution's opening statements hinted at the sensational content to be expected during the trial, the Chicago Tribune reports.
As part of the quest for change, there have been calls for efforts to balance power and transparency. This involves altering the municipal code to reduce City Council's decision-making power, introducing term limits, and limiting aldermanic influence in zoning matters per a Chicago Sun-Times report.
