The day in December on federal corruption charges, there was sadness and pity from most of his former City Council colleagues. That’s because there is genuine affection, admiration and respect for the former Finance Committee chairman who mentored far more colleagues than he bullied during Fellow alderpersons not only feared Ed Burke, they also liked him. He was generous with his time and advice, his campaign war chest, and his vast knowledge and network of government contacts.
When a colleague needed help with legislation, Ed Burke helped to draft it or co-sponsored it with them. He loaned Finance Committee staffers to colleagues or gave them money to hire additional workers, and used his $2 million-plus committee budget to ride to the rescue of colleagues in legal trouble. After Burke on Monday that may spare him from dying behind bars, the prevailing emotion among his present and former colleagues was relief.
Most said U.S. District Judge Virginia Kendall had found the appropriate balance between discouraging the political corruption undermining voter confidence and the mercy “Given Alderman Burke’s age and health issues, the $2 million fine plus two years in prison and then supervised release after that sends a clear signal, as Judge Kendall noted, that pay-to-play politics can’t be tolerated,” said Ald.
Matt Martin (47th), chair of the Council’s Ethics Committee. “Ald. Burke acknowledged the consequences of his actions, was contrite.
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It’s appropriate .
