Emma Mitts

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Emma Mitts

b. June 12, 1955

Chicago, 37th Ward Alderman (2000- )
Chicago, 37th Ward Democratic Committeeman (2004-)

37th Ward Map

1 Clout and Influence
2 Employment and Electoral History
3 Education
4 Important Political Events
5 Sources

Clout and Influence

Emma Mitts, born and raised in Arkansas, was appointed to her seat by Mayor Richard M. Daley in 2000 after then-Alderman Percy Giles was convicted of pocketing $10,000 in cash bribes from a government mole and extorting an additional $81,200 from a company operating an illegal dump in his ward. Mitts is best known in Chicago for convincing the Chicago City Council to pass a zoning change allowing Wal-Mart to set up shop in the West Side's Austin neighborhood. The fight that ensued over the mega retailer's expansion into Chicago (including a proposal to grant Wal-Mart a zoning change in Howard Brookins' South Side 21st Ward) led to the passage, and ultimate veto, of the Big Box Living Wage Ordinance, which would have required retailers operating stores larger than 100,000 square feet to pay a $10 an hour minimum wage, plus $3 in fringe benefits.

Mitts is also a staunch ally of Dale and is supported by 29th Ward Alderman Issac Carothers.

Employment and Electoral History

Current Chicago City Council Committees:

Aviation
Budget and Government Operations
Committees, Rules and Ethics
Economic, Capital and Technology Development
Energy, Environmental Protection and Public Utilities (Vice Chair)
Parks and Recreation
Police and Fire
Traffic Control and Safety

Education

Important Political Events

2000, Appointed 37th Ward Alderman by Mayor Richard M. Daley, replacing Percy Giles
2003, Elected 37th Ward Alderman
2004, Elected 37th Ward Democratic Committeeman, replacing Calvin Giles
2007, Reelected 37th Ward Alderman
2008, Reelected 37th Ward Democratic Committeeman