Burnett Steps Down As Black Caucus Chairman
CHICAGO (WBBM) -- Ald. Walter Burnett (27th) is stepping down as chairman of the City Council Black Caucus.
As WBBM Newsradio 780 Political Editor Craig Dellimore reports, Burnett admits there have been some tensions, but says it was time for a change anyway.
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Burnett says as someone who came from the political organization of late former Cook County Board President George W. Dunne, he is surprised he was ever elected to be Black Caucus chairman.
But now, Burnett says, as a new mayor enters the picture, it's a good time for him to step back.
Burnett admits there was some friction within the caucus over him pushing for the city to set aside 20 percent of its Tax Increment Financing Funds for affordable housing.
Some colleagues thought that would tie up money for schools, libraries and the like.
"Some in the caucus voted with me, some didn't vote with me," Burnett said. "No one issue is the reason why I'm doing what I'm doing. It's just time for me to move on."
Burnett says he will focus on helping his ward.
