MAYOR HAROLD WASHINGTONS MAYORAL STRENGTHS

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MAYOR HAROLD WASHINGTONS MAYORAL STRENGTHS

• Compared to the Harrigan and Vogel text.

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PROGRAM ENTREPRENEUR

• Issued an executive order requiring 30 percent of
  city contracts to go to companies controlled by
  minorities and women.
• Appointed a black police superintendent.
• Opened government to those who had previously
  been denied power because of race.
• Sought to bring down patronage system in city
  government.
• Started the Ethics Commission.

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CRUSADER MAYOR

• Fought members of City Council in the infamous
  Council Wars.
• Ed Vrdolyak and the Vrdolyak 29 had 29 to 21 of
  majority votes.
• Much of Mayor Washingtons legislation was shot
  down by council.

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MINORITY MAYOR

• 1st black mayor of Chicago.
• Won 1983 election by rallying 97 of black vote
  and 19 of white vote. Won by small margin of
  51.4 of total vote.
• Able to make impact with very little support from
  City Council
• Overcame attacks by Ed Vrdolyak and Ed Burke.
• Washington had overwhelming support from black
  community, while Vrdolyaks support came from
  whites who were uncomfortable with a black mayor.

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LEGACY CUT TOO SHORT

• Re-elected in 1987.
• Died in office on November 25, 1987.
• More Blacks in City Government.
• More city contracts for companies owned by
  minorities and women.
• Hopes of all nationalities living and working
  together in harmony for one common goal.