James Balcer
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James Balcer
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| In office 1997 – Present |
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| Preceded by | Patrick Huels |
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| Constituency | 11th ward |
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| Born | July 24, 1950 |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Residence | Chicago, Illinois United States |
James A. Balcer (born June 24, 1950) is alderman of the 11th Ward of the City of Chicago (map). A member of the Democratic Party, he was appointed to the Chicago City Council by Mayor Richard M. Daley in 1997.
Balcer serves on six committees: Budget and Government Operations; Energy, Environmental Protection and Public Utilities; Finance; Human Relations; Police and Fire; and Transportation and Public Way.
Balcer served as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and in 2001 was awarded the Bronze Star for his heroics during that conflict. He cast the only vote against the Council's resolution opposing the Iraq War.
He was appointed to the Council in the aftermath of a scandal about disclosures about then-Ald. Patrick Huels' private security firm that resulted in Huels' resignation.
Ald. Balcer's ward encompasses part of Chicago's Southwest Side, and includes the neighborhood of Bridgeport, home of five Chicago mayors and stronghold of the Daley family. Balcer is known for his loyalty to the Daleys.
Ald. Balcer attracted attention in the media and the ire of 11th ward residents in May, 2009 for using public funds to destroy artwork on private property. The destruction of the artwork, work that had been approved by the owner and not deemed to be offensive, flew in the face of the 1st amendment, and was indeed illegal based on Section 13.25.50 of the City Code.
[edit] References
- Balcer's official contact information
- "Bolder City Council willing to challenge Daley" Fran Spielman, Chicago Sun-Times, January 24, 2006.
- "Meet the Chicago City Council" Scott Fornek, Chicago Sun-Times, May 6, 2003.
- "Alderman Destroys Bridgeport Mural" Rob Wildeboer, Chicago Public Radio, May 15, 2009.
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