22 Facts About Tom Tunney

Thomas M Tunney was born on August 22,1955 and is an American politician and entrepreneur from Chicago, Illinois.

Tom Tunney represented the 44th Ward of the city, which includes major tourist destinations, Northalsted and Wrigleyville neighborhoods.

Tom Tunney succeeded in obtaining a master's degree in hotel administration from Cornell University.

Tom Tunney gained full ownership of the Ann Sather Restaurant and expanded it into a successful local chain.

Tom Tunney joined several prestigious entrepreneurial circles and became chairman of the Illinois Restaurant Association.

Tom Tunney founded and led the Lakeview Center Business Association and White Crane Wellness Center.

Tom Tunney opened his restaurants to grassroots and nonprofit organizations as town halls, serving as free meeting places.

Tom Tunney committed himself to helping people with HIV and AIDS through programs he created, adopted by the Illinois Masonic Hospital.

Tom Tunney chaired the small business subcommittee of the Chicago Economic Development Committee.

Mayor Richard M Daley, with Hansen's consent, nominated Tunney to replace Hansen in December 2002.

Tom Tunney has been re-elected four times, in 2007,2011,2015, and 2019.

Tom Tunney introduced an ordinance repealing Chicago's ban on foie gras in July 2007 and spearheaded passage of the repeal on May 14,2008.

Tom Tunney considered running for mayor in 2011, but ultimately did not.

In 2013, Tom Tunney denied unattributed published reports that he supported moving or demolish the iconic scoreboard at Wrigley Field to clear the view for nearby rooftops owners.

Tom Tunney has had an often adversarial relationship with the Ricketts family, current owners of the Chicago Cubs, whose stadium, Wrigley Field, is located in his ward.

The Ricketts family has accused Tom Tunney of being, "needlessly disrespectful" in negotiations with them about the redevelopment of Wrigley Field.

Tom Tunney considered running for mayor in 2019, but ultimately did not.

On May 29,2019, Tom Tunney was formally appointed as chairman of the Council's Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards.

Tom Tunney considered challenging Mayor Lightfoot for mayor in the 2023 Chicago mayoral election, going as far as collecting signatures for a ballot petition.

However, Tom Tunney decided not to run and ultimately endorsed Paul Vallas ahead of the election's first round.

Tom Tunney has indicated that after leaving the City Council he intends to advocate of behalf the city's business community.

Tom Tunney is the cousin of actress Robin Tom Tunney, who played Agent Lisbon on The Mentalist.