Bernard J. Hansen, a former Chicago alderman from the 44th Ward, has died.
Mr. Hansen’s successor, Ald. Tom Tunney, said on Facebook that he died Sunday.
“Bernie served as Alderman from 1983 until 2003,” Tunney said. “He oversaw transformational changes in our neighborhood and helped build the thriving community we share today.”
U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Chicago) said “Bernie was a tireless advocate for the constituents he represented. No one was better at getting things done than Bernie, and the communities he served were better for it.”
Quigley got his first taste of politics as an aide in the office of Hansen, who was alderman during the battle over installing lights for night games at Wrigley Field.
“Bernie taught me that policy only matters when it works at the street level,” Quigley said. “I know that he spent every day trying to improve the lives of his neighbors. And I know that without Bernie’s help and advice, I wouldn’t be where I am today. For that and so many other reasons, I am deeply sad to learn of his passing. He will be missed.”
Check back for updates on this developing story.
.png?w=600)
