Edward Vrdolyak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edward Vrdolyak
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Vrdolyak in 1983
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| Member of the Chicago City Council for Chicago's 10th ward | |
| In office 1971–1987 |
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| Preceded by | John Buchanan |
| Succeeded by | Victor Vrdolyak |
| President of the Chicago City Council | |
| In office 1977–1983 |
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| Chairman of the Cook County Democratic Party | |
| In office 1982–1987 |
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| Preceded by | George Dunne |
| Succeeded by | George Dunne |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Edward Robert Vrdolyak
December 28, 1937 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 a former American politician and lawyer. He was a longtime Chicago alderman, which is like a city council member. He also led the Cook County Democratic Party, a major political group, until 1987. In 1987 and 1989, he ran for Mayor of Chicago but was not elected.
Vrdolyak was a well-known opponent of Mayor Harold Washington. He led a group of 29 aldermen, sometimes called the "Vrdolyak 29." This group often disagreed with Mayor Washington, which led to a period known as the Council Wars. After his time in politics, he went back to working as a lawyer.
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Early Life and Education
Edward Vrdolyak was born in Chicago, Illinois. When he was 13, he went to a Catholic seminary, a school for people who want to become priests, but he later decided it wasn't for him. He graduated from Mount Carmel High School in Chicago.
He then went to St. Joseph's College in Indiana. In 1963, he earned a law degree from the University of Chicago Law School. After finishing school, he started his own law practice, helping people with legal problems. Edward's brother, Victor Vrdolyak, also became a Chicago alderman later on.
Political Career in Chicago
In 1968, Edward Vrdolyak was elected as a Democratic committeeman for Chicago's 10th ward. A committeeman helps lead the local political party. He held this job until 1988. In 1971, he was elected as an alderman, representing his ward in the Chicago City Council.
From 1977 to 1983, Vrdolyak served as the President of the City Council. He earned the nickname "Fast Eddie" because he was known for being good at making deals behind the scenes. In 1982, he became the Chairman of the Cook County Democratic Committee.
The Council Wars
Vrdolyak is most remembered for leading the opposition to Mayor Harold Washington from 1983 to 1987. When Washington became mayor, a majority of 29 aldermen, led by Vrdolyak, often disagreed with him. This group was known as the "Vrdolyak 29."
They often voted against the mayor's plans and appointments. This created a political standoff, which people called the "Council Wars." It meant that the mayor and the city council often couldn't agree on important decisions.
Over time, some of the aldermen who opposed Mayor Washington began to support him. This helped the mayor get more of his plans approved.
Later Political Efforts
In 1987, Vrdolyak left his role as county Democratic chairman. He then ran for mayor as a candidate for the Illinois Solidarity Party. He lost the election to Mayor Washington.
After Mayor Washington passed away in November 1987, Vrdolyak's political influence changed. He decided to join the Republican Party in September 1987. In 1988, he ran for Clerk of the Circuit Court but was not elected.
In 1989, Vrdolyak ran for mayor again in a special election. He won the Republican primary but lost the general election to Democrat Richard M. Daley. After this election, his political career effectively ended.
After Politics
After leaving politics, Edward Vrdolyak returned to his law practice. His law firm, The Vrdolyak Law Group, has many attorneys, including his three sons.
From 1993 to 1996, he also hosted a popular talk radio show. He continued to be involved behind the scenes in Chicago politics, especially with the appointment of judges.
Vrdolyak was also an advisor to Betty Loren-Maltese, who was the Town President of Cicero. His law firm did a lot of legal work for the town during her time in office.
Images for kids
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Vrdolyak in 1983
See also
- List of Chicago aldermen since 1923
