Chicagos Modern Mayors: From Harold Washington to Lori Lightfoot

Chicagos transformation into a global city began at City Hall. Dick Simpson and Betty OShaughnessy edit in-depth analyses of the five mayors that guided the city through this transition beginning with Harold Washingtons 1983 election: Washington, Eugene Sawyer, Richard M. Daley, Rahm Emmanuel, and Lori Lightfoot. Though the respected political science, sociologist, and journalist contributors approach their subjects from distinct perspectives, each essay addresses three essential issues: how and why each mayor won the office; whether the City Council of their time acted as a rubber stamp or independent body; and the ways the unique qualities of each mayors administration and accomplishments influenced their legacy.

Filled with expert analysis and valuable insights, Chicagos Modern Mayors illuminates a time of transition and change and considers the politicians who--for better and worse--shaped the Chicago of today.