Edward Vrdolyak facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Edward Vrdolyak
Vrdolyak in 1983
Member of the Chicago City Council for Chicago's 10th ward
In office 1971–1987
Preceded by	John J. Buchanan
Succeeded by	Victor Vrdolyak
President of the Chicago City Council
In office 1977–1983
Chairman of the Cook County Democratic Party
In office 1982–1987
Preceded by	George Dunne
Succeeded by	George Dunne
Personal details
Born	Edward Robert Vrdolyak (1937-12-28) December 28, 1937 (age 87) Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Political party	Republican (1987–present)
Other political affiliations	Illinois Solidarity (1987) Democratic (until 1987)
Residences	Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Alma mater	Mount Carmel High School St. Joseph's College University of Chicago Law School

Edward Robert Vrdolyak (born December 28, 1937), also known as "Fast Eddie", is an American lawyer and former politician from Chicago. He was a powerful member of the Chicago City Council, called an alderman, for many years.

Vrdolyak was a key figure in a period of Chicago politics known as the "Council Wars." During this time, he led a group of aldermen who opposed many of the plans of Mayor Harold Washington. He later ran for mayor of Chicago twice but did not win. After leaving politics, he returned to his career as a lawyer.

Early Life and Education

Edward Vrdolyak was born in Chicago, Illinois, to parents who had moved from Croatia. As a teenager, he thought about becoming a priest but decided to follow a different path.

He went to Mount Carmel High School and later attended St. Joseph's College. He earned his law degree from the University of Chicago Law School in 1963. After graduating, he started working as a lawyer. His brother, Victor Vrdolyak, also became an alderman in Chicago.

Political Career in Chicago

In 1968, Vrdolyak became a Democratic committeeman for Chicago's 10th ward. This was the start of his long career in city politics.

Becoming an Alderman

In 1971, Vrdolyak was elected as the alderman for the 10th ward. He became known for his skill at making political deals, which earned him the nickname "Fast Eddie." From 1977 to 1983, he served as the President of the City Council.

During the term of Mayor Jane Byrne, Vrdolyak became one of her main supporters in the City Council. With her help, he was elected Chairman of the Cook County Democratic Party in 1982.

The "Council Wars"

Vrdolyak is most famous for leading the opposition against Mayor Harold Washington, who was elected in 1983. Washington was Chicago's first African American mayor.

A group of 29 aldermen, led by Vrdolyak and Alderman Edward M. Burke, formed a group that became known as the "Vrdolyak 29." This group often voted against the mayor's plans and appointments. This created a major political struggle that the media called the "Council Wars." The conflict made it difficult for the mayor to get his policies passed.

The deadlock lasted for several years. In 1986, some ward boundaries were redrawn, leading to special elections. After the elections, the City Council was evenly split, 25-25. This allowed the mayor to break ties, and some of Vrdolyak's supporters began to side with Washington, ending the Council Wars.

Running for Mayor

In 1987, Vrdolyak decided to run for mayor against Harold Washington. He left the Democratic Party and ran as a candidate for the Solidarity Party. Washington won the election with 53% of the vote, while Vrdolyak received 42%.

After Mayor Washington passed away in late 1987, Vrdolyak joined the Republican Party. He ran for mayor again in a special election in 1989. This time, he received less than 4% of the vote. The election was won by Richard M. Daley. This loss marked the end of Vrdolyak's career as an elected official.

Life After Politics

After his political career ended, Vrdolyak went back to practicing law at his firm, The Vrdolyak Law Group. He also hosted a popular radio talk show in Chicago from 1993 to 1996.

Even though he was no longer in office, he remained an influential figure in Chicago politics for many years. He was known for giving advice to other politicians and having a say in local matters.

Legal Troubles

In the 2000s, Vrdolyak faced serious legal problems. In 2007, he was accused of being involved in a dishonest deal related to the sale of a building. He pleaded guilty to a charge connected to this case. A judge sentenced him to probation and community service. However, a higher court later changed the sentence, and he served ten months in prison.

Years later, Vrdolyak faced more legal issues. In 2016, he was accused of not paying all of his taxes. He pleaded guilty in 2019 and was sentenced to eighteen months in prison. He was released in 2023.

See also

• List of Chicago aldermen since 1923