Committee For Change: 27th Ward Residents Concerned With Alderman Walter Burnett's Past

CHICAGO, Feb. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Many residents of the 27th Ward in Chicago have expressed their concerns about the questionable history surrounding the current Alderman.

Walter Burnett began his political career in 1995 as an unchallenged candidate for 27th Ward Alderman bolstered by support from Jesse White, the Illinois Secretary of State since 1998. However, according to election laws the Alderman should not have been eligible to run due to a felony conviction. Burnett was convicted as a felon for his involvement in an armed bank robbery.

According to court records, in December of 1998 residents challenged his nomination. The day before Burnett signed his nomination papers, he received an executive pardon from Governor Jim Edgar. The Chicago Tribune reported the Governor had previously ignored Burnett's requests for pardon. Residents point to Jesse White's election as Secretary of State as the driving force behind him getting the pardon. The residents' challenge to his nomination was overruled.

Another issue is the involvement of Alderman Walter Burnett, Jr. with Broadway Bank. The Chicago Reader stated the bank was taken over by the FDIC in 2010 after failing to meet the requirements for on-hand capital by the deadline set. The bank was heavily invested in development projects throughout the United States. The bank gave money to alleged mobsters and Tony Rezko, who was convicted of fraud and bribery in 2008.

"Residents are concerned about his connection to the bank, and his involvement in getting projects funded by Broadway Bank approved by the City Council," said the Committee For Change spokesperson, Larry Queen. "The biggest concern that has been mentioned, however, is citations Alderman Burnett has received from the City of Chicago on owned property."

The Chicago Tribune reported that Burnett was cited for 30 code violations at one of four investment properties he owns in 2006. The citations were first issued in 2005, and Burnett did not resolve the issues.

About The Committee For Change:

The Committee For Change in the 27th Ward of Chicago launched in July 2010 to promote positive change. The not-for-profit corporation and political action committee is committed to representing the best interest of residents in Chicago's 27th Ward. They encourage interactive discussion from residents at www.27thwardchicago.org.

SOURCE Committee For Change