Mary O’Connor

Elected in 2011, Mary O’Connor is an Alderman in the Chicago City Council, representing the 41st Ward. The 41st Ward is a beautiful, tight-knit collection of communities and includes Edison Park, Norwood Park, O’Hare, Oriole Park, Big Oaks, Edgebrook, and Wildwood. Upon graduating from Eastern University with a bachelor’s degree in Business, Mary started Unforgettable Edibles Catering and O’Connor’s Market and Deli, a successful small business located in the heart of the Edison Park community. In 2002, Mary became the President of the Edison Park Chamber of Commerce where she would go on to serve six terms. Today, Edison Park’s main business district is one of the most successful on the northwest side of the City. As Alderman, Mary has been a tireless and effective advocate for the needs of her constituents. She has focused her efforts on establishing a responsive and service oriented office, rebuilding the ward with a wide range of improvements to its infrastructure, and securing many critical investments in her local schools and parks. Mary has also developed a reputation as leader in the City Council to make Chicago more business friendly. She successfully worked to pass a consolidation of the City’s business licensing system, voted for the elimination of the City’s Head Tax, and is working with Mayor Rahm Emanuel as a member of the Small Business Advisory Council and the Citywide Retail Advisory Committee on strategies for fostering small business growth and creating a comprehensive plan for the City’s economic development. Mary currently sits on eight City Council Committees: Aviation (Vice Chair); Budget and Government Operations; Committees, Rules & Ethics; Education and Child Development; Housing & Real Estate; License and Consumer Protection; Public Safety and Transportation & Public Way. Mary O’Connor is also the 41st Ward Democratic Committeeman, in the Cook County Democratic Party.