Machine Aldermen needed help

When 48th Ward Alderman Marion Volini, an Independent, chaired a City Council sub-committee on building code enforcement, she held public hearings to gather testimony about neighborhood problems.

13th Ward Alderman John Madzryk, a Machine pol later jailed for his involvement in a ghost payrolling scheme, sat through one entire session, took notes, and asked very intelligent questions.

He had not been able to deal with building code problems in his ward the old-fashioned way. Neighborhood activists demanded action and could not be intimidated, bought off, or otherwise silenced. He realized he needed a different tactic to address the issue and he thought Volini might be able to provide him with one.