Jim Gardiner (Chicago politician)

James "Jim" Gardiner (born April 17, 1976) is a Chicago politician affiliated with the Democratic party who serves as the alderman for Chicago's 45th Ward.

Jim Gardiner
Member of the Chicago City Council
from the 45th ward
Assumed office
May 20, 2019
Preceded byJohn Arena
Personal details
Born
James Gardiner

(1976-04-17) April 17, 1976
Political partyDemocratic (2019–present)
Independent (until 2019)
EducationSaint Xavier University (BA)

Background and education

Gardiner was born April 17, 1976 to Irish immigrant parents, the youngest of 7 children. He graduated from Notre Dame High School, and from Saint Xavier University in 2002 with a degree in teaching. He has taken a leave of absence from the Chicago Fire Department.[1]

Political career

In the February 2019 Chicago City Council election, Gardiner defeated incumbent John Arena, obtaining 50.9% of the vote to Arena's 36.2%.[2] He is currently running for the 45th Ward Democratic Committeeman position.[3]

Gardiner is a member of the Democratic party, but identified as an independent before 2019.[4][1] Gardiner believes in the legalization and taxation of recreational marijuana.[5] Gardiner is not in favor of an increase in property taxes, municipal taxes, and real estate transfer taxes. He is also not in favor of the LaSalle Street Tax.[5] Gardiner does not believe stricter gun control laws will reduce the amount of illegal firearms. He believes educating the youth on the dangers of illegal guns will help reduce gun violence.[5] Gardiner believes in keeping Chicago a sanctuary city, and preventing the Chicago Police Department from detaining illegal immigrants.[5]

See also

References
  1. Minnis, Glenn. "No shortage of potential Arena challengers in 45th Ward". chicagocitywire.com. Retrieved 14 June 2019.
  2. "Jim Gardiner". Ballotpedia. Retrieved 20 January 2020.
  3. Spielman, Fran (20 December 2019). "Vanquished alderman accused of using six-figure planning job to play politics". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 20 January 2020.
  4. Board, CST Editorial (27 January 2019). "45th Ward candidat for alderman: James "Jim" Gardiner". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 25 November 2019.
  5. Board, CST Editorial (27 January 2019). "45th Ward candidat for alderman: James "Jim" Gardiner". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 20 January 2020.
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