Richard M. Daley facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Richard M. Daley
Daley in 2006
54th Mayor of Chicago
In office April 24, 1989 – May 16, 2011
Deputy	Terry Gabinski Bernard Stone
Preceded by	Eugene Sawyer
Succeeded by	Rahm Emanuel
54th President of the United States Conference of Mayors
In office 1996–1997
Preceded by	Norm Rice
Succeeded by	Paul Helmke
State's Attorney of Cook County
In office December 1, 1980 – April 24, 1989
Preceded by	Bernard Carey
Succeeded by	Cecil Partee
Member of the Illinois Senate from the 23rd district
In office January 10, 1973 – December 1, 1980
Preceded by	Edward Nihill
Succeeded by	Timothy F. Degnan
Personal details
Born	Richard Michael Daley (1942-04-24) April 24, 1942 (age 83) Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Margaret Ann Corbett ​ ​ (m. 1972; died 2011)​
Children	4, including Patrick
Parents	Richard J. Daley (father) Eleanor Guilfoyle (mother)
Relatives	John P. Daley (brother) William M. Daley (brother) Patrick Daley Thompson (nephew)
Education	Providence College DePaul University (BA, JD)
Signature

Richard Michael Daley (born April 24, 1942) is an American politician. He served as the 54th mayor of Chicago, Illinois, from 1989 to 2011. Daley was first elected mayor in 1989. He was reelected five times. He chose not to run for a seventh term. His 22 years as mayor were the longest in Chicago's history. This length of time was even longer than his father's 21 years as mayor. His father was Richard J. Daley.

As mayor, Daley took charge of the Chicago Public Schools. He also worked to grow tourism in the city. He oversaw the building of Millennium Park. He increased efforts to protect the environment. He also saw rapid growth in the city's main business areas. He approved benefits for city workers' partners, regardless of gender. He also supported stricter gun control laws.

Daley faced criticism because his family and friends seemed to get special treatment for city contracts. He started his time as mayor with the city having extra money. But he left the city with large financial problems. His budgets led to the biggest deficits in Chicago's history. He was a national leader in selling or leasing public assets to private companies. This helped reduce money problems for a short time. However, it also removed future ways for the city to earn money. This contributed to the city's financial struggles when he left office.

Early Life and Family

Richard M. Daley is the fourth of seven children. He is the oldest son of Richard J. and Eleanor Daley. His father later became Mayor of Chicago in 1955. Richard M. Daley was born on April 24, 1942. He grew up in Bridgeport. This is a neighborhood on Chicago's South Side.

Daley has several well-known brothers. William M. Daley was a former White House Chief of Staff. He also served as the U.S. Secretary of Commerce. John P. Daley is a commissioner for Cook County. Michael Daley is a lawyer.

Daley was married to Margaret "Maggie" Corbett. She passed away on November 24, 2011. She had battled cancer for ten years. Maggie Daley Park in the Chicago Loop is named after her. Her non-profit group, After School Matters, helps young people in Chicago. Richard and Maggie had four children: Nora, Patrick, Elizabeth, and Kevin. Their second son, Kevin, died at age two in 1981. Daley was raised Roman Catholic.

Daley graduated from De La Salle Institute high school. He earned his bachelor's degree from DePaul University in 1964. He had previously attended Providence College. He later earned a law degree from DePaul University. He passed the Illinois Bar Examination on his third try. Daley never worked as a trial lawyer.

Early Political Career

Daley was first elected as a delegate in 1969. This was for the Illinois Constitutional Convention. This convention created the current Constitution of Illinois.

After his father died in 1976, Daley took over his father's role. He became the 11th Ward Democratic committeeman. This is a party position. His brother, John P. Daley, took over this role in 1980. A Daley has held this position for 60 years.

Illinois State Senator (1972–1980)

Daley was elected to the Illinois Senate in 1972. He served there until 1980. He rarely spoke to reporters during this time. He chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee. Some people criticized him for relying on his father's name.

Cook County State's Attorney (1981–1989)

In 1980, Daley ran for Cook County State's Attorney. He won this election. He served from 1981 to 1989. His victory was very close.

First Campaign for Mayor: 1983

In November 1982, Daley announced he would run for mayor. He was one of three main candidates in the Democratic primary. The others were Mayor Jane Byrne and Congressman Harold Washington. Daley finished third in this election. Many of his father's political friends blamed him for splitting the vote. This allowed Washington to become Chicago's first black mayor.

Second Campaign for Mayor: 1989 Victory

Mayor Washington died in office in November 1987. The Chicago City Council then appointed Alderman Eugene Sawyer as mayor. This was until a special election could be held in 1989. Daley announced his candidacy on December 6, 1988. He said he knew how to run a government and bring people together.

Daley defeated Sawyer in the primary election. In the 1989 general election, Daley faced Republican candidate Edward Vrdolyak. He also ran against Alderman Timothy C. Evans. Daley won the general election on April 4, 1989. He became Mayor of Chicago on April 24, 1989, which was his 47th birthday.

Mayor of Chicago (1989–2011)

First Term (1989–1991)

Daley had a City Council that mostly agreed with him. One of his first actions was to take over the City Council's power to approve city contracts. This power had been used by previous mayors. Daley's first budget proposal for 1990 included $3 billion in spending. It also reduced property taxes. He continued a hiring freeze and started a recycling program. He also privatized the city's tow truck fleet. Daley was the first Chicago Mayor to lead the Chicago Pride Parade. In December 1990, Amnesty International reported on claims of police torture in Chicago. They asked for a full investigation.

Second Term (1991–1995)

On April 2, 1991, Daley was reelected for his second term. He won with 70.7% of the vote. He ran against civil rights attorney R. Eugene Pincham.

Incident at Daley's Michigan Home

In March 1992, Daley's 16-year-old son, Patrick, had a party at the family's second home in Michigan. This was without his parents' permission. A fight broke out at the party. Patrick got his grandfather's shotgun and gave it to his cousin. A young person was hurt in the fight. Mayor Daley later spoke about his disappointment. Patrick pleaded guilty to minor charges. He was sentenced to probation and community service. His cousin also pleaded guilty to a charge related to the firearm.

Third Term (1995–1999)

Daley took control of the Chicago Public Schools system in 1995. He appointed Paul Vallas to lead it. When Vallas left, Daley chose Arne Duncan. Duncan later became the U.S. Secretary of Education. In March 1997, the Chicago City Council passed an ordinance. This made employee benefits available to same-sex partners of city employees. Daley said this was about fairness.

City Council Leader Resigns

A major public issue during Daley's time as mayor involved his City Council leader, Alderman Patrick Huels. Huels resigned in October 1997. Huels and Daley grew up together in Bridgeport. Huels owned a security company. This company had problems with unpaid taxes. Another close friend of Daley, Michael Tadin, owned a trucking company. Tadin's company received many city contracts. With Huels' support, the City Council approved a tax reduction for Tadin's company. Weeks later, Tadin's company gave a large loan to Huels' company. Daley said Huels "did the right thing resigning." He also said he didn't know about Huels' business dealings. Daley then announced new rules to prevent conflicts of interest in city contracts.

Fourth Term (1999–2003)

On February 23, 1999, Daley won reelection for his fourth term. He won with 68.9% of the vote against U.S. Congressman Bobby Rush. In August 1999, Amnesty International reported on police force incidents in Chicago. They called for federal officials to track these cases better. In October 1999, they reported concerns about police abuse in Chicago. These included improper questioning and excessive force.

A federal investigation in September 2003 led to charges against members of the Duff family. They were accused of winning city contracts by falsely claiming their companies were owned by women and minorities. One family member pleaded guilty to many charges. By 2002, more than a third of the City Council's aldermen had been initially appointed by Daley. This made the Council very supportive of the mayor's plans.

Fifth Term (2003–2007)

On February 26, 2003, Daley won his fifth term. He received 78.5% of the vote. Daley supported same-sex marriage. He said he would have "no problem" with Cook County issuing marriage licenses to gay couples. Time magazine named Daley one of the best mayors of large cities in 2005. In May 2006, the United Nations Committee Against Torture noted the "limited investigation" into torture claims against the Chicago Police Department. They asked U.S. authorities to investigate these claims. Daley was inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame in 2006.

Daley Orders Demolition of Meigs Field

Meigs Field Runway a few days after destruction ordered by Mayor Daley, April 2003

There was a long-standing agreement to keep Meigs Field open until 2011. This was a small airport on Northerly Island. On March 30, 2003, Daley ordered the airport's demolition. City crews dug large X's into the runway. This happened without telling the City Council, the Illinois Governor, or federal agencies. Many planes were trapped. Daley said the airport was a threat to Chicago's tall buildings after 9/11. Critics called this action "authoritarian." The Federal Aviation Administration fined the city for not giving proper notice. The city paid the fine and repaid federal grants.

Daley's Patronage Chief Convicted

In July 2006, Robert Sorich, Daley's informal patronage chief, was convicted of fraud. This was related to fixing city jobs and promotions. Timothy McCarthy, Sorich's aide, was also convicted. Sorich and McCarthy lived in the Bridgeport neighborhood, where the Daley family is from. Daley said he should have overseen hiring more closely.

Daley's Son and City Contracts

Mayor Daley's son, Patrick R. Daley, made money from two companies that won city contracts. He did this while hiding his role. Patrick and his cousin, Robert G. Vanecko, formed a company in 2003. This company bought a share in Municipal Sewer Services. This company then got city sewer-inspection contracts. Patrick and Vanecko did not reveal their ownership as required by city ethics rules. The mayor said he did not know about his son's involvement. He called it a "lapse in judgment." Federal authorities investigated this.

In 2005, another company, Concourse Communications, signed a city contract for airport Wi-Fi service. The Daley administration said Patrick had no financial interest in this deal. However, Patrick later received payments totaling $708,999 after Concourse was sold. The Chicago Sun-Times called this a "blatant" conflict of interest.

Long-Term Leases of Public Property

In January 2006, a group of companies paid Chicago $1.83 billion. This was to operate the Chicago Skyway and collect tolls for 99 years. This was the first deal of its kind in the U.S. In December 2006, Morgan Stanley paid Chicago $563 million. This was for a 99-year lease of the city's parking garages. Daley said these deals were good for taxpayers. However, some critics worried that selling public assets would remove future income for the city.

Sixth Term (2007–2011)

May 24, 2008 City of Chicago Memorial Day observance

Chief of Staff of the United States Army Gen. George W. Casey, Jr. and Daley recite the Pledge of Allegiance during a wreath laying ceremony at

Casey, Daley, and other officials walk during the State Street parade.

In February 2008, the Chicago City Council approved a tax increase. This was to fund the Chicago Transit Authority. Daley strongly criticized aldermen who disagreed. By March 2010, Daley had appointed 19 aldermen.

More Long-Term Leases

In September 2008, Chicago tried to lease Midway International Airport for 99 years. The deal was for $2.52 billion. However, it failed due to the 2008 global recession. In 2008, Chicago leased its parking meter system for 75 years. This deal was for $1.16 billion to a company created by Morgan Stanley. Daley said this would provide over $1 billion for the city. However, parking rates quadrupled in the first year. Parking hours were also extended. The city also agreed to pay the new owners if roads with meters were closed. Most of the money from this lease was spent within three years.

Failed Olympic Bid

In 2007, Daley signed ten-year contracts with city labor unions. This was to prevent strikes as Chicago tried to host the 2016 Summer Olympics. For months in 2009, Daley promoted the economic benefits of hosting the Olympics. Many thought the games would be a highlight of his career. However, on October 2, 2009, Chicago was the first of four finalists to be eliminated. This was a major disappointment for Daley.

Gun Control

Daley was a strong supporter of gun control. In 1998, he said he believed only law enforcement officers should own handguns. He was a member of the Mayors Against Illegal Guns Coalition. This group was formed in 2006. In January 2006, Daley called for a statewide ban on semi-automatic assault weapons.

The US Supreme Court heard a case called McDonald v. Chicago in 2010. This case challenged handgun bans in Chicago. In May 2010, Daley held a press conference about gun control. A reporter questioned the effectiveness of the city's handgun ban. Daley responded by picking up a rifle and making a controversial remark.

On June 28, 2010, the US Supreme Court ruled in McDonald v. Chicago. The court said that the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution protects an individual's right to "keep and bear arms" from local governments. This ruling made Chicago's 1982 handgun ban unconstitutional. Daley called a special meeting of the city council. The council approved a revised gun control ordinance. This new ordinance included city firearms licenses.

Budget Deficits and Spending

Daley started his time as mayor with the city having financial assets and manageable debt. However, he left the city with a large structural deficit. The next mayor, Rahm Emanuel, estimated this at $1.2 billion. This included under-funded pension funds. The Daley administration spent more money than it took in each year. In August 2010, Fitch Ratings lowered the city's bond credit rating. They pointed to the city using reserve funds for regular expenses. They also noted the under-funding of pension funds.

The city's budgets continued to grow even after the 2008 recession. They reached over $6 billion a year. When under-funded employee pensions were included, the city's yearly deficit was over $1 billion. In January 2011, Moody's Investors Service lowered its outlook on bonds for the O'Hare Modernization Program. This was because the city planned to delay repaying interest and principal on some construction bonds.

In October 2008, Daley proposed a 2009 budget of $5.97 billion. This included not filling 1,350 job openings. It also included $150 million from the parking meter lease deal. This was to help cover a $469 million budget shortfall. The Daley administration spent millions on public relations staff and firms. In October 2009, Daley projected a deficit of over $520 million for 2009. He proposed a 2010 budget of $6.14 billion. This included spending $370 million from the parking meter lease. In October 2010, Daley projected a record deficit of $655 million for 2010. He proposed a 2011 budget of $6.15 billion. This included spending almost all of the remaining parking meter lease money.

Daley Declines Seventh Term

Daley's approval rating was at a low of 35% by late 2009. On September 7, 2010, Daley announced he would not seek a seventh term. He said it was time for him to move on. On December 26, 2010, Daley became Chicago's longest-serving mayor. His term ended on May 16, 2011. Rahm Emanuel succeeded him.

Approval Ratings

Legacy as Mayor

Daley in Chicago City Hall

Daley had strong support from Chicago's business community. He was sometimes criticized for focusing city money on downtown businesses. Some felt he neglected other neighborhoods, especially those with lower incomes. A columnist noted that Daley worked to gain the trust of black Chicagoans. He appointed black leaders to high positions. He also focused on improving services in all neighborhoods. He oversaw the removal of old public housing projects. He also pushed for reforms in the public schools.

Daley focused on making Chicago a popular place for tourists. He improved and expanded parks. He added flowers along many main streets. He oversaw the creation of Millennium Park. This park was built on what used to be an old train yard. He also led the effort to turn Navy Pier into a popular tourist spot. Daley supported immigration reform and green building projects. He received an award in 2009 for his vision in sustainability. Chicago avoided some of the worst economic problems that other Midwest cities faced.

After Being Mayor

Days after leaving office, the University of Chicago named Daley a "distinguished senior fellow." This part-time role includes coordinating a guest lecture series. Weeks after leaving office, Daley joined an international law firm. This firm had received no-bid legal work from him as mayor. This firm had also helped negotiate the city's parking meter leases. Daley also joined a speakers bureau. This group arranges paid speaking events. Daley was on the board of directors for The Coca-Cola Company from 2011 to 2019. He is also a managing principal at Tur Partners LLC, an investment firm. His son, Patrick Daley, is also a principal there.

In June 2022, Daley was hospitalized in Chicago for a "neurological" illness.

Recognition

In 1999, Daley received an award for his work in environmental care.

In 2002, Daley received the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement. He also hosted an international summit in Chicago in 2004.

In 2017, Daley received the ULI Chicago Lifetime Achievement Award.

See also

In Spanish: Richard M. Daley para niños

• Electoral history of Richard M. Daley
• Timeline of Chicago, 1980s–2010s