Patrick J. O'Connor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Patrick J. O'Connor
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| Chicago Alderman from the 40th Ward |
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| In office May 1983 – May 2019 |
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| Preceded by | Ivan Rittenberg |
| Succeeded by | Andre Vasquez |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 21, 1954 Chicago, Illinois |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Barbara O'Connor
(m. 1979) |
| Residence | Chicago, Illinois |
| Alma mater | Loyola University (B.A.) Loyola University (J.D.) |
| Profession | Alderman |
Patrick J. O'Connor was a politician in Chicago. He was born on June 21, 1955. He served as an alderman for the 40th Ward in Chicago's City Council. An alderman is like a city council member who represents a specific area, or "ward," in a city. O'Connor was first elected in 1983 when he was 28 years old. He was re-elected eight times. He served until 2019, when he lost to Andre Vasquez.
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Early Life and Education
Patrick O'Connor's father worked for the city of Chicago. He was a Deputy Commissioner in the Department of Streets and Sanitation. Patrick O'Connor studied law at Loyola University of Chicago School of Law. He graduated in 1979. After law school, he helped his father get back pay from the city.
Serving on the Chicago City Council (1983–2019)
Patrick O'Connor became an alderman for the 40th Ward in 1983. He was re-elected many times over the years. He won elections in 1987, 1991, 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, and 2015. In 2019, he ran for a tenth term but was not re-elected. Andre Vasquez won the election that year.
Council Discussions
During the time Mayor Harold Washington was in office, there were often disagreements in the City Council. This period was sometimes called the "Council Wars." Patrick O'Connor was part of a group of aldermen who often disagreed with the mayor. As a new alderman, he led the City Council's Committee on Education.
Hiring Practices and Nicknames
Early in his time as an alderman, O'Connor faced questions about hiring people for jobs on his committee staff. These people included members of his family, like his mother-in-law and brother-in-law. Some people called his hiring practices "All in the Family." He also became known as "City Hall Santa" because of these year-end jobs. When asked about it, O'Connor said that hiring family members, also known as nepotism, was a system that had been around for a long time.
Later, in 2008, it was found that some aldermen, including O'Connor, had children who got summer jobs with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District.
Other Elections
Patrick O'Connor also ran for other political jobs but did not win.
- In 1990, he ran for the Democratic nomination for Cook County State's Attorney. He lost this election.
- In 1992, he ran for Cook County State's Attorney again, this time against the Republican leader, Jack O'Malley. O'Connor lost this election as well.
- In 2009, he ran for a seat in the United States House of Representatives. This was a special election to replace Rahm Emanuel. O'Connor finished fifth in this election.
