Pat Dowell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pat Dowell
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Dowell in 2019
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| Member of the Chicago City Council from the 3rd ward |
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| Assumed office May 21, 2007 |
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| Preceded by | Dorothy Tillman |
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| Born | May 13, 1957 |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | University of Rochester (BA) University of Chicago (MA) |
Pat Dowell is an important leader in the city of 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 ward is a local area or neighborhood. Pat Dowell was first elected in April 2007. She won against the person who held the job before her, Dorothy Tillman.
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About Pat Dowell's Early Life and School
Pat Dowell studied developmental psychology at the University of Rochester. This is a field that looks at how people grow and change. She also earned a master's degree in social service administration from the University of Chicago.
Pat Dowell's Work as an Alderman
Pat Dowell became an alderman for Chicago's 3rd ward in 2007. An alderman is a local elected official who helps make decisions for their part of the city. She has been re-elected several times since then, including in 2011, 2015, and 2019.
The Bronzeville neighborhood is part of Chicago's 3rd ward. Alderman Dowell represents this area.
Helping Neighborhoods with Vacant Homes
In 2011, Pat Dowell helped pass a new rule in Chicago. This rule made banks responsible for taking care of empty homes. These are homes that banks have taken back because the owners couldn't pay their loans.
Dowell explained that empty homes can cause problems. They can become unsafe or attract crime. She said that when buildings are left to fall apart, the value of other homes nearby can go down. This new rule helps keep neighborhoods safe and strong.
Awards for Good Government
In 2010, Pat Dowell received an award for having one of the best voting records as an alderman. This award came from the Independent Voters of Illinois-Independent Precinct Organization (IVI-IPO). This group works to promote good government.
Dowell said she was thankful for the award. She mentioned her commitment to good government and letting people participate in decisions.
Working with Mayors
In 2018, Pat Dowell was chosen to be part of a special committee. This committee helped J. B. Pritzker when he became the governor of Illinois.
When Chicago had a mayoral election in 2019, Dowell supported Toni Preckwinkle. Later, when Lori Lightfoot became mayor, she chose Dowell to lead the City Council's budget committee. This is a very important job.
Dowell often agreed with Mayor Lightfoot on many issues. She supported Lightfoot's plans for the city's money. However, Dowell sometimes disagreed with the mayor. For example, she voted against a plan to help pay for extending the CTA Red Line train. She also criticized the decision to hold the NASCAR Chicago Street Race in downtown Chicago.
Even though she worked closely with Mayor Lightfoot, Dowell supported Brandon Johnson in the 2023 mayoral election. After Brandon Johnson became mayor, Pat Dowell made history. She became the first woman to lead the Chicago City Council's Committee on Finance. This committee handles all the city's money matters.
In September 2024, Dowell signed a letter with other leaders. They were against Mayor Johnson's plan to remove the Public Schools CEO, Pedro Martinez. They wanted Martinez to stay in his job.
Running for Other Important Jobs
Pat Dowell has also tried to run for jobs outside of the City Council. In April 2021, she announced she would run for Illinois secretary of state. This job manages many state records and services.
However, in January 2022, she changed her mind. A U.S. Representative named Bobby Rush announced he was retiring. Dowell then decided to run for his spot in the U.S. Congress. She placed second in that election.
See also
- List of Chicago aldermen since 1923
