Jim Gardiner (Chicago politician)
Jim Gardiner | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Chicago City Council from the 45th ward | |
| Assumed office May 20, 2019 | |
| Preceded by | John Arena |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 17, 1976 |
| Political party | Independent (before 2019) Democratic (2019–present) |
| Education | Saint Xavier University (BA) |
James M. Gardiner[1] (born April 17, 1976) is an American politician and firefighter who has been the alderman for the 45th ward in the Chicago City Council since 2019. Gardiner is a firefighter with the Chicago Fire Department, but has taken a break since becoming alderman.[2]
Gardiner is a member of the Democratic Party, but was an independent before 2019.[3]
In November 2020, Gardiner was sued for abuse of power and false arrest of a ward resident.[4] The lawsuit said that Gardiner used his powers as an alderman to have a construction worker arrested.[5][6]
Federal officials are investigating if Gardiner has taken bribes during his time as alderman.[7]
In September 2021, private text messages between Gardiner and Alderman Scott Waguespack revealed Gardiner using misogynistic language to describe Waguespack's female chief of staff.[8][9]
References
- ↑ "45th Ward | Alderman James M. Gardiner | Chicago". Official 45th Ward. Retrieved 22 September 2021.
- ↑ Minnis, Glenn. "No shortage of potential Arena challengers in 45th Ward". chicagocitywire.com. Archived from the original on 23 August 2019. Retrieved 14 June 2019.
- ↑ Board, CST Editorial (27 January 2019). "45th Ward candidat for alderman: James "Jim" Gardiner". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 25 November 2019.
- ↑ Schuba, Tom (2020-11-24). "After picking up lost phone, construction worker claims he was wrongfully arrested, harassed by Chicago alderman". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2021-02-06.
- ↑ "Big issues in Gardiner's reelection bid in 45th Ward are crime, development — and Gardiner himself". Chicago Sun-Times. 16 February 2023. Retrieved 24 February 2023.
- ↑ "Judge allows harassment suit over lost cellphone to go forward against embattled Ald. Jim Gardiner". Chicago Tribune. 21 March 2022. Retrieved 24 February 2023.
- ↑ "Feds Probe Gardiner for Bribery, Pay-to-Play: Sources". WTTW News. Retrieved 24 February 2023.
- ↑ Dudek, Mitch (3 September 2021). "Alderman goes on apology tour after leak of profane texts". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 7 September 2021.
- ↑ "Ald. Jim Gardiner Calls Constituent And Fellow Alderman A 'B-tch,' Rips His Critics In Leaked Text Messages". Block Club Chicago. 3 September 2021. Retrieved 9 September 2021.