Thomas Allen (alderman)

Thomas Allen is Alderman of the 38th Ward of Chicago, serving since 1993.

Early life

Allen graduated from Illinois Benedictine College and Kent College of Law. After graduation, he worked as a trial attorney in the criminal justice system for seventeen years.

Public service

Allen served as an administrative and legislative assistant to Alderman Thomas Cullerton before succeeding him.

Currently, Allen is active in several community organizations: the Portage Park Advisory Board, the Irving Park YMCA, the Sunshine Activity Center for Mentally Handicapped, and the Polish American Police Association.

Aldermanic career

Allen was appointed Alderman in 1993 by Mayor Richard M. Daley to complete the term of Thomas Cullerton. He was elected to a full term in 1995, and re-elected in 1999, 2003, and 2007.

As Alderman, Allen has been concerned about illegally converted rooming houses. To combat this, Allen created a task force to identify, investigate, and close illegal rooming houses. Allen is chairman of the Transportation and Public Way Committee. He also serves on seven other committees: Aviation; Budget and Government Operations; Buildings; Committees, Rules and Ethics; Economic, Capital and Technology Development; Finance; and Zoning.