(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Former veteran Chicago City alderman Burton Natarus — known as a colorful character who championed sometimes unusual causes — has died at the age of 86.
Natarus' passing was reported in an online obituary and by the Chicago Sun-Times on Thursday. Details were not disclosed.
The Wausau, Wisconsin native, who represented the downtown 42nd Ward, was perhaps best known for pushing eyebrow-raising measures, such as requiring carriage horses to wear diapers to help keep streets clean. He once threatened -- maybe jokingly -- to jump from bridges onto loud boats on the Chicago River. Natarus would say he was interested in preserving the quality of life in his district.
His tenure on the council dated back to 1971, during the long reign of Mayor Richard J. Daley.
After nearly 40 years as an alderman, Natarus was bumped from office by successor Brendan Reilly in 2007. Reilly tells the Sun-Times he appreciated Natarus' passion for the ward.
"Knowing what a pressure cooker the downtown ward can be, I came to appreciate his service," Reilly said.
