Casino opponent Michele Smith steps down as alderman

Mayor Lightfoot will name a replacement for the remainder of term

Alderman Michele Smith, Casino
Alderman Michele Smith (Wikipedia, Getty)

A third North Side alderman won’t be seeking reelection.

Longtime Chicago alderman and vocal opponent of the casino development, Michele Smith is retiring, the Chicago Tribune reported. Smith, who represents the 43rd Ward, which includes Lincoln Park and Old Town, said she would be stepping down August 12 and not seeking a fourth term.

“My decision to retire prior to the completion of this term is a difficult and deeply personal one,” Smith wrote in her announcement. “At this point in my life, I have deepening responsibilities toward family and friends. These personal issues mandate that I step down now.”

Smith was first elected alderman of the 43rd Ward in 2011 and an opponent of the $1.7 billion casino project on the Chicago Tribune Publishing Center in River West, in the nearby 42nd Ward.

Her immediate resignation means Mayor Lori Lightfoot will fill a third City Council seat this year, as 11th Ward Alderman Patrick Daley Thompson was forced to vacate his seat after being convicted of felony tax fraud and 24th Alderman Michael Scott resigned to take a job in the private sector.

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Smith also fought the Lincoln Yards megadevelopment, voting against council approval of zoning changes and redevelopment agreements for the project in 2019.

The City Council will have a number of new faces soon. Harry Osterman, who has represented the 48th Ward for more than 10 years, said he would be stepping down at the end of his term and 46th Alderman James Cappleman said he wouldn’t seek reelection. Alderman George Cardenas is also likely exiting his post as he is currently running unopposed for a seat on Cook County’s Board of Review.

Aldermen Raymond Lopez and Roderick Sawyer are also ineligible to run for reelection as they are running for mayor against Lori Lightfoot next year.

Victoria Pruitt