Pat Dowell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pat Dowell
|
|
|---|---|
Dowell in 2019
|
|
| Member of the Chicago City Council from the 3rd ward |
|
| Assumed office May 20, 2007 |
|
| Preceded by | Dorothy Tillman |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 13, 1957 |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | University of Rochester (BA) University of Chicago (MA) |
Pat Dowell is an important leader in Chicago. She is a member of the Chicago City Council, which is like the city's main decision-making group. She represents the 3rd ward of Chicago, a specific area of the city. Dowell was first elected in 2007. She helps make decisions about housing, transportation, and health for the city.
Contents
About Pat Dowell
Pat Dowell was born on May 13, 1957. She studied developmental psychology at the University of Rochester. This is about how people grow and change. She also earned a master's degree from the University of Chicago. Her studies were in social service administration, which helps people and communities.
Her Work in the City Council
Pat Dowell became an alderman for Chicago's 3rd ward in 2007. An alderman is a local elected official. They represent a specific part of the city. She won against the person who held the job before her, Dorothy Tillman. Dowell has been re-elected several times: in 2011, 2015, and 2019. This shows that people in her ward trust her to represent them.
The Bronzeville neighborhood is located in Chicago's 3rd ward. Alderman Dowell works to improve this area.
Helping Homeowners and Neighborhoods
In 2011, Dowell helped pass a new rule. This rule made banks responsible for keeping up foreclosed properties. These are homes that banks take back when owners can't pay. Dowell said this rule helps keep neighborhoods looking good. It also lessens the bad effects of homes being foreclosed.
Awards and Recognition
In 2010, Pat Dowell received an award. The Independent Voters of Illinois (IVI-IPO) gave her the "Best Aldermanic Voting Record" award. This group works for good government. Dowell was proud to get the award. She said it showed her commitment to good government and helping people participate in democracy.
Working with City Leaders
In 2018, J. B. Pritzker asked Dowell to join a special committee. This committee focused on creating jobs and economic opportunities.
Dowell has also been involved in mayoral elections. In 2019, she supported Toni Preckwinkle for mayor. After Lori Lightfoot won, she chose Dowell to lead the City Council's budget committee. This means Dowell helps manage the city's money.
Dowell often agrees with Mayor Lightfoot's plans. She has supported all of Lightfoot's budgets. However, she has sometimes disagreed. For example, she voted against using special funds to extend the CTA Red Line. She also criticized the NASCAR Chicago Street Race in downtown Chicago. Despite being an ally, Dowell supported Brandon Johnson in the 2023 Chicago mayoral election.
Running for Other Offices
In 2021, Pat Dowell announced she would run for Illinois secretary of state. This is a statewide office. However, in 2022, she changed her mind. She decided to run for Illinois' 1st congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives instead. She placed second in that election.
See also
- List of Chicago aldermen since 1923
