William D. Burns

William D. Burns (born August 22, 1973 in Cleveland, Ohio) is an American politician and businessman, a former member of the Chicago City Council, representing Chicago's 4th Ward, and the State House.[1] A member of the Democratic Party, Burns represented the 26th District in the Illinois House of Representatives from 2008 through 2011. After winning election as an alderman on February 22, 2011, he resigned as a state legislator.[2] In February 2016, Alderman Burns announced his resignation from the Chicago City Council to take a job with Airbnb.[3]

"Will Burns" redirects here. For the racing driver, see Will Burns (racing driver).
William D. Burns
Alderman for Chicago's 4th Ward
In office
May 2011 (2011-May) – February 2016 (2016-Feb)
Preceded byShirley Newsome
Succeeded bySophia King
Member of the Illinois House of Representatives
from the 26th district
In office
January 2009 (2009-Jan) – May 2011 (2011-May)
Preceded byElga L. Jefferies
Succeeded byKimberly du Buclet
Personal details
Born (1973-08-22) August 22, 1973
Cleveland, Ohio
Political partyDemocratic
ChildrenAthena
ResidenceChicago, Illinois
Alma materUniversity of Chicago

Background

Burns was born in Cleveland, where he attended local schools. He relocated to Chicago to attend college and graduate school, studying at the University of Chicago, where he received both his B.A. and M.A. degrees.

Becoming involved in Democratic Party politics, Burns served as a former Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to Emil Jones, the Illinois Senate President. Burns was Vice President of Program and Field Offices for the Chicago Urban League. Burns has also served as an Education and Tax Policy Manager for the Metropolitan Planning Council, a community outreach coordinator for State Senator Barack Obama, and the Deputy Campaign Manager for Obama for Congress 2000.[4]

Illinois State Representative

In 2008 Burns challenged incumbent State Representative Elga Jeffries, and defeated her in the Democratic Primary on "Super Tuesday."[5] He defeated perennial candidate Sylvester "Junebug" Hendricks in the general election. As a State Representative, Burns has served on committees addressing education, health care, and government reform. Burns also sponsored the first green jobs program in the United States which was specifically targeted to low-income urban areas. The Urban Weatherization Jobs Initiative employs inner-city residents in the weatherization of homes and other buildings on the South Side of Chicago. Burns also has supported reform to Illinois' campaign finance laws, strengthening gun control, and reform to the property tax system.

Campaign for Alderman of Chicago's Fourth Ward

In November 2010, five-term Alderman Toni Preckwinkle was elected Cook County Board President. Community leader Shirley Newsome was appointed by Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley to serve the remainder of Preckwinkle's term, but did not seek a full term.

With Preckwinkle's support, Burns entered the race for Alderman in the February 22, 2011 first round of the municipal election, choosing against a temporary appointment for the remainder of Preckwinkle's term. Burns faced five Democratic or independent opponents, and Lori Yokoyama, who was endorsed by the Chicago GOP and Chicago Young Republicans. Burns won the race with 64.6% of the vote in the February 22nd election. Burns served as a delegate to the 2012 Democratic National Convention.[6]

Aldermanic Committees
  • Rules and Ethics
  • Finance
  • Housing and Real Estate
  • Pedestrian and Traffic Safety
  • Transportation and Public Way
  • Workforce Development and Audit

Private Sector

While alderman, Burns moonlighted for a public affairs consulting firm founded by one of President Barack Obama's top advisers. Then in February 2016, Burns announced his departure from the Chicago City Council to take join Airbnb as "director, Midwest policy and senior adviser", starting March 1, 2016.[3] However, after he left office, the Chicago Ethics Board had reason to believe that Burns violated a city prohibitions against lobbying the city for a full calendar year after leaving the City Council. The board published a settlement with Burns of a $5000 fine without an admission of wrongdoing in 2019.[7] As a member of the City's Ethics Reform Task Force Burns had helped author the City’s ethics ordinance.[8]

Family

Burns has one daughter, Athena.

Electoral History

Illinois House of Representatives - 26th District

ElectionCandidateVotesPercentCandidateVotesPercentCandidateVotesPercentCandidateVotesPercentCandidateVotesPercent
2008 Democratic Primary[9]William D. Burns9,06333.09%Kenny Johnson7,65327.94%Phillip Jackson4,91217.94%Elga L. Jefferies (i)3,27011.94%Paul Chadha2,4899.09%
2008 General[10]William D. Burns (D)41,80786.06%Sylvester "Junebug" Hendricks (R)6,77013.94%
2010 Democratic Primary[11]William D. Burns14,574100%
2010 General[12]William D. Burns (D)29,91483.48%Sylvester "Junebug" Hendricks (R)5,29016.52%

Alderman, 4th Ward[13]

CandidateVotesPercent
William D. Burns8,51864.65%
Lori S. Yokoyama1,2649.59%
Norman H. Bolden1,2479.46%
Brian Scott9517.22%
George Rumsey6324.08%
Adam L. Miguest6322.91%
James E. Williams1811.37%

References
  1. "Alderman William D. Burns". City of Chicago. Retrieved 12 March 2012.
  2. "Hyde Park gets new state representative". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 12 March 2012.
  3. Dardick, Hal (2016-02-01). "Emanuel ally Ald. Burns quits, takes Airbnb job". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2016-03-24.
  4. "Representative William D. Burns (D)". Illinois General Assembly. Retrieved 2009-08-04.
  5. "Education a Priority for 26th District State Rep Opponents". Gazetter. Retrieved 2011-02-12.
  6. Newman, Craig (2012-09-02). "Who are the Illinois delegates to the Democratic National Convention?". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2012-09-06.
  7. Byrne, John (January 18, 2019). "Former Ald. Will Burns agrees to $5,000 fine in Ethics Board settlement of lobbying allegation". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved May 14, 2020.
  8. "Will Burns: Former Alderman / Chicago, IL". NewDealLeaders.org. Retrieved May 14, 2020.
  9. "Election Results". February 2008 Democratic Party Primary -- Rep. in Gen. Assembly, 26th. Chicago Board of Elections. Retrieved 24 February 2011.
  10. "Election Results". November, 2008 General -- Rep. in Gen. Assembly, 26th. Chicago Board of Elections. Retrieved 24 February 2011.
  11. "Election Results". February 2010 Primary Democratic -- Rep. In Gen. Assembly, 26th. Chicago Board of Elections. Retrieved 24 February 2011.
  12. "Election Results". November, 2010 General -- Rep. In Gen. Assembly, 26th. Chicago Board of Elections. Retrieved 24 February 2011.
  13. "Election Results". February 2011 Municipal General Election -- Alderman Fourth Ward. Chicago Board of Elections. Retrieved 23 February 2011.
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