Why the Mayoral Election Might Not Matter

While there is plenty of prestige attached the title "Mayor," the next person to hold that position in Chicago Heights won't be able to do a whole lot in the way of decision making.

If six aldermen can't agree on a decision i.e. there is a 3-3 vote, the mayor gets to make the decision. Under the new system, there will never be a tie vote (unless an alderperson does not show up or declines to vote), because there will be an odd number of aldermen. 

We asked former Chicago Heights mayor Anthony DeLuca what he thought of the new structure a couple of months ago. Here's what he said:

Will things get bogged down a little bit more with a new form of government? You could say yes. But it could also work more efficiently in other ways too, because the councilmen and women will have some specific responsibilities. Under that other form of government, technically they didn’t. So, this could get them more involved, and let them have more of a seat at the table. That could benefit the residents as well.

So what really matters more? The mayoral race, or the aldermanic ones? Does it matter whether Heights residents choose Joe Faso or David Gonzalez, or is it more important whether Third Ward residents choose Wanda Rodgers or Kevin Perkins (for example)?

Only time will tell. Just know that every decision your alderperson makes will have a little more weight after the winners are sworn in this May.