Edward M. Burke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ed Burke
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Burke in 2009
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| Member of the Chicago City Council from the 14th ward |
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| In office March 14, 1969 – May 15, 2023 |
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| Preceded by | Joseph P. Burke |
| Succeeded by | Jeylú Gutiérrez |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Edward Michael Burke
December 29, 1943 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Anne McGlone
(m. 1968) |
| Children | 5 |
| Relatives | Daniel J. Burke (brother) |
| Education | DePaul University (BA, JD) |
Edward Michael Burke (born December 29, 1943) is an American politician who served as an alderman for Chicago's 14th ward from 1969 to 2023. An alderman is a local elected official who represents a specific area, or "ward," in a city's government. Burke was a member of the Democratic Party. He was first elected to the Chicago City Council in 1969 and represented a part of the city's Southwest Side.
Burke was known as a very influential alderman in Chicago. He was the chairman of the City Council's Committee on Finance, which handles important money matters for the city. He was also named one of the "100 Most Powerful Chicagoans" by Chicago Magazine. Edward Burke is the longest-serving alderman in Chicago's history. He chose not to run for re-election in 2023, ending his long career in the City Council.
Burke was also a lead partner at a law firm called Klafter & Burke. This firm specialized in helping people appeal their property taxes. He faced legal challenges related to his work and was found responsible for certain actions. His wife, Anne M. Burke, was a Justice on the Illinois Supreme Court.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Edward Burke was born and grew up in Chicago. His father, Joseph P. Burke, was also involved in local politics. He served as a committeeman and later as an alderman for the 14th Ward.
Ed Burke went to Visitation Grammar School and graduated from Quigley Preparatory Seminary in 1961. He earned a bachelor's degree from DePaul University in 1965. After that, he worked as a Chicago police officer for three years. During this time, he also studied law at DePaul University College of Law. In 1968, Burke received his law degree and became a lawyer. He also married his wife, Anne Marie, that same year.
Starting in Politics
Edward Burke followed in his father's footsteps in local politics. After his father passed away in 1968, Edward Burke took over his father's role as the Democratic committeeman for the 14th Ward. A committeeman is a local party leader. At 24, Burke was the youngest person in Chicago's history to become a ward committeeman. He held this position until 2020.
Becoming an Alderman
The local Democratic Party chose Edward Burke as their candidate for a special election in 1969. This election was held to fill empty seats in the city council, including the 14th Ward. Burke won the election easily and was sworn in as an alderman on March 14, 1969.
After the 1971 elections, Burke became the chairman of the Police and Fire Committee. In the early 1970s, Burke and other aldermen, known as the "Young Turks," wanted more say in city affairs from Mayor Richard J. Daley.
Burke was re-elected many times, serving a total of 14 terms. For most of his re-election campaigns, he ran without any opponents.
Important Roles in City Government
Burke became a very powerful figure in Chicago politics. He was known for leading a group of aldermen who often disagreed with Mayor Harold Washington, Chicago's first African American mayor, in the 1980s. This period was called "Council Wars." Burke was chosen to lead the important Finance Committee during this time.
After Mayor Washington passed away, Burke supported Alderman Eugene Sawyer to become mayor. Later, when Richard M. Daley became mayor, Burke was again nominated as the Finance Committee chairman. He held this position for many years.
Chairman of the Finance Committee
Being the chairman of the city council's Committee on Finance was a very important role. It was often called the "No. 2 spot in city government." This committee had to approve almost all city spending, tax matters, and many city contracts before the full City Council could consider them.
As chairman, Burke managed a large staff and a significant budget. He also controlled several well-funded political groups. His campaign funds were larger than any other alderman's in Illinois. Burke also played a key role in choosing judges in Cook County.
Ward Boundaries
Burke was also a main person involved in drawing the maps for ward boundaries. These maps are redrawn every 10 years. Over time, the 14th Ward, which Burke represented, moved farther west. The ward's population also changed a lot during his time in office, becoming home to many Mexican and Mexican-American residents.
Writing and Public Speaking
Burke had staff who helped him write speeches, resolutions, and even books. He co-authored End of Watch, a book about police officers who died while on duty. He also helped create historical exhibits in City Hall. Burke was recognized as the "Best Orator at City Hall" by the Chicago Reader.
Legal Challenges and Retirement
Burke's office at Chicago City Hall was searched by federal agents in November 2018. In January 2019, he was charged with attempted improper actions related to his political office.
On December 21, 2023, Burke was found responsible by a federal jury on many counts related to his public office. He turned 80 years old shortly after this. In June 2024, he received a sentence related to these actions and a fine.
Burke did not seek re-election in 2023, ending his long career as an alderman.
Other Public Office Attempts
In 1980, Burke tried to become the Democratic candidate for Cook County State's Attorney. He lost this election to Richard M. Daley.
In 1988, after Mayor Harold Washington passed away, Burke considered running for mayor in the special election. He later decided not to run and supported Richard M. Daley instead.
Property Tax Law Firm
Burke was the lead partner in a law firm called Klafter and Burke. This firm specialized in helping clients appeal their property taxes. The firm was very successful in these cases. In 2002, Burke helped pass a city rule that made it easier for the city not to challenge smaller property tax appeals.
As of August 2019, Burke is no longer a partner at the law firm. His daughter, Jennifer, and other attorneys took over his role.
Personal Life
Burke's wife, Anne, served as an Illinois Appellate Court Justice and later became an Illinois Supreme Court Justice in 2006. The Burkes live in the Archer Heights neighborhood of Chicago. They have three adult children: Jennifer, Edward, and Sarah. Their son Emmett passed away in a snowmobiling accident in 2004.
Burke's brother, Daniel J. Burke, was also a member of the Illinois House of Representatives. The Burke family has been recognized as one of "Illinois' most influential families."
Burke was known for his neat suits and attention to style. He was named "Best Dressed Alderman" by the Chicago Tribune in 1981. He is also a licensed private detective.
Baby T Case
In 1996, the Burkes became foster parents to a young African American child, known publicly as "Baby T." The child's birth mother later tried to regain custody. This led to a long court battle that received a lot of media attention. The case eventually went to the Illinois State Supreme Court, which ruled in favor of the Burkes having custody in 2001.
See also
- List of Chicago aldermen since 1923
