Burnett cruises in 27th Ward

'We're going to see how tough Rahm is'

02/23/2011 1:00 PM

By NICK MORONI
Staff Reporter

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Walter Burnett addresses supporters Tuesday night.
NICK MORONI/Staff

Incumbent Ald. Walter Burnett won his fifth term as 27th Ward’s city council member on Tuesday, and by no small margin.

He walloped his two challengers, Tom Courtney and GeVonna Fassett, by taking in 71 percent of the vote to their respective 23 and 7 percent tallies.

Although the race was contentious at points — with Courtney challenging and derailing the candidacies of several persons — the Burnett camp consistently projected an air of confidence.

A week before election night, Burnett’s committee was already distributing kitschy blue flyers advertising a “A Victory Party for Walter Burnett.”

Despite Burnett’s victory, the election party — held in a West Loop loft on Randolph Street — was only sparsely populated; what’s more, the crowd’s initial reaction was subdued. Most of the attendees seemed to be more interested in the free hors d’œuvres.

Nonetheless, Burnett, his wife Darlena and his son Walter III took the stage shortly after Burnett’s victory, to address the crowd.

He thanked God, his committee, and all of his supporters. But he also mentioned Secretary of State Jesse White, who doubles as the 27th Ward committeeman.

“He [Jesse White] happens to be over there with Rahm Emanuel making sure he takes care of me over the next few years,” Burnett joked, pointing at a giant television screen with a muted image of Emanuel delivering his own victory speech.

White and Burnett’s friendship dates back to White’s days as the Cook County Recorder of Deeds. White backed Burnett’s first aldermanic run in 1995, and in 1998 as Secretary of State, White successfully lobbied then-governor Jim Edgar to absolve Burnett of a 1981 armed robbery conviction.

Burnett promised the crowd and the 27th Ward that “the next four years is going to be better” despite such challenges as the city’s $650 million budget hole.

“I will do everything I can to protect the people I represent,” Burnett said. “I want to share my power with everyone.”

“We’re going to see how tough Rahm is,” he added.


4 Comments - Add Your Comment



By Mike from Near North side
Posted: 02/28/2011 9:37 PM

I second that Susie. Alderman Burnett is such a hard worker and does so much for your ward. I wish my Alderman was as hard working as Alderman Burnett. Congrats!


By Gene Brooks from West Loop
Posted: 02/25/2011 1:21 PM

Two Thumbs up, We know what we are getting in Ald Burnett, a person is always working on behalf of the people, thank you for all that you have done!!!


By Charles from West Loop
Posted: 02/24/2011 2:33 PM

Congrats to Walter Burnett! This is a landslide! Thank you for all your work.


By Susie Bigham
Posted: 02/24/2011 10:31 AM

Congratulations to Alderman Burnett and the 27th Ward for pulling in another win for 2011. Alderman Burnett continues to be the BEST Alderman of the City of Chicago. Many blessings for the upcoming years.