Cappleman Joins Aldermanic Alliance to Take 'Non-dogmatic Approach' to Goals

Eighteen Chicago aldermen—several of whom hail from the North Side—stood this week to formalize what they say are two separate groups aimed at, among other things, putting an end to gang violence. 

The announcement came in the wake of the shooting death of a 6-month-old child.

Seven of the aldermen appeared Tuesday before City Hall to approve a set of bylaws, give the go-ahead to a "statement of principles" and form a political action committee that will accept donations to fund efforts. Those seven included Bob Fioretti (2nd); Roderick Sawyer (6th); Scott Waguespack (32nd); Nick Sposato (36th); Ricardo Munoz (22nd); Toni Foulkes (15th) and John Arena (45th). Founding Aldermen Leslie Hairston (5th) and Ameya Pawar (47th) didn't stand before the council, according to Waguespack's office.

On Wednesday nine other alderman held a news to announce a separate coalition, the "Paul Douglas Alliance", which they say will take a "non-dogmatic approach" to achieving similar goals. Proco Joe Moreno (1st); Pat Dowell (3rd); Joe Moore (49th); Michele Smith (43rd); James Cappleman (46th); Harry Osterman (48th); Rey Colon (35th); Will Burns (4th); and Brendan Reilly (42nd) were in tow.

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"This is not an anti-[Rahm] group," Sawyer said, according to a Sun-Times Media report. "This is a group that wants to move the city of Chicago forward ... Sometimes, you need that additional voice to make things go better."

Waguespack's office says the group has existed informally for several years but began "ramping up" activity in 2012.

The caucus—formally called the "Progressive Reform Coalition of the Chicago City Council—is reportedly dedicated to "creating a more just and equal Chicago, combating all forms of discrimination and advancing public policies that offer genuine opportunity to all."

The move to cement the group came after the death of Jonylah Watkins, a 6-month-old baby who was caught in gang-related crossfire and shot five times while having her diaper changed inside a vehicle in Woodlawn. She was taken to Comer Children's Hospital, according to reports, and lived for 12 hours.

Among the aldermen's priorities? 

"Advancing public safety policies that support a well-trained, fully staffed public safety departments that work in strong cooperation with the diverse civic communities they serve," according to its principles.

Other initiatives to fight what group members called "business as usual" include working toward a fair budget that "supports strong city services and quality of life for all"; promoting safe and affordable housing; creating high-quality public education with equal resources; and lending a hand to the city's diverse communities.

“Our constituents, in wards all across the city, have sounded the alarm about the direction of the city, and are demanding that we do more to right this ship,” Fioretti said, according to a news release.

He said residents are "disturbed" by privatization deals and "angry" about public school closings.

"They want to see their elected leaders push us in a new direction that is more supportive and accountable to communities, and the members of this Coalition are working to achieve that," Fioretti said.

Editor's note: This story was updated for accuracy at 10 a.m. on March 14.