NORTH PARK — Former Ald. Dick Simpson will headline a panel discussion Tuesday designed to highlight the changing political landscape on the Far Northwest Side.
Hosted by the 39th Ward Democratic Organization, the discussion is scheduled to take place from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in Room 314 of the Johnson Center at North Park University, 3225 W. Foster Ave.
In addition to Simpson, a professor of political science at the University of Illinois at Chicago and the author of an annual study of mayoral control of the City Council, North Park University Professor David Koeller and former mayoral candidate Amara Enyia will make up the panel.
The discussion will be moderated by Madeleine Doubek, the CEO of Reboot Illinois, a website that aims to influence Illinois politics.
The panel will focus on the "sea-change in Chicago's Northwest Side politics" brought about by the end of the Cullerton era in the 38th Ward and the election of Robert Murphy as the 39th Ward Democratic committeeman.
In the 38th Ward, former Ald. Tim Cullerton stepped down in 2015, making him the last in a line of six aldermen who controlled a seat on the Council for 144 years. He was succeeded by Ald. Nicholas Sposato (38th), who defeated a candidate endorsed by Cullerton.
Murphy, who unsuccessfully challenged Ald. Margaret Laurino in the 2015 39th Ward aldermanic election, defeated a candidate supported by Laurino in the March committeeman's race. The victory gives him a base to run against the long-time alderman for a second time in 2019.
The results of the last two elections "have opened new choices and put major dynasties in retreat," according to organizers of the panel.
The 39th Ward includes Sauganash as well as parts of Albany Park, North Park and Mayfair.
The panel is sponsored by Northside Democracy for America and "aims to inform and engage voters on the reality of change ahead," according to organizers.
For more information, email robert@39thward.org.
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