CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- 21st Ward Chicago Alderman Howard Brookins Jr. says he may not be running for re-election, but he’ll still be active in politics.
Brookins Jr. chairs the City Council Transportation Committee and said COVID restrictions and Zoom meetings have taken away the part of the job he loves — being around people.
He told WBBM that 20 years is enough time to have been Alderman. Brookins said he learned the hard way that it takes time to get things done, but he’s done them.
After his term is up, Brookins said he’ll still be Democratic Committeeman for the Ward, but said he is ready to turn over the reins to the next generation of young leaders.
"I will continue to help candidates that I think have the community's best interest at heart."
In fact his public announcement mentioned Ronnie Mosely, a leader of the 21st Ward Young Democrats.
"Really has a lot of energy-reminds me of me when I first ran for alderman," Brookins added.
But even before Brookins decided not to run, Ayana Clark, an aide to retiring Congressman Bobby Rush, announced her candidacy for the seat among other candidates. It is expected to be a competitive race.
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