Kathy Osterman
Encyclopedia
Kathy Osterman was a Chicago politician who was born Kathleen Mary Lonergan in the Bronx
. Entering politics as a block club president who had been social director of Lawrence House, a facility for disabled persons, Osterman in 1981 became a community relations director for then-State's Attorney Richard M. Daley
, who became her political patron.
In 1987 Osterman emerged victorious from an eleven-person race in which Mayor Harold Washington
declined to endorse any candidate, and was elected alderman of the lakefront 48th Ward, which at that time consisted primarily of the Edgewater
community as well as parts of Uptown
. Initially a part of the Washington bloc in Council Wars
, she switched to the largely white bloc immediately following Washington's death and during the tenure of Eugene Sawyer
. She served on numerous City Council committees, including the Human Rights Committee, where she forged strong links with the ward's significant gay community. Only two years into her term, Osterman retired in 1989, facilitating Daley's appointment of Mary Ann Smith
as alderman. Osterman subsequently was appointed Director of the Mayor's Office of Special Events.
During her brief tenure, Osterman worked on the rehabilitation of the Broadway Armory and the restoration of two vintage mansions in Berger Park along Sheridan Road, as public facilities. She lobbied vigorously for passage of Chicago's Human Rights Ordinance in 1988. As a result Osterman is in the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame.
On May 1, 1992, Osterman married radio political commentator Bruce DuMont
. Later that year she died of cancer
.
The Bronx
The Bronx is the northernmost of the five boroughs of New York City. It is also known as Bronx County, the last of the 62 counties of New York State to be incorporated...
. Entering politics as a block club president who had been social director of Lawrence House, a facility for disabled persons, Osterman in 1981 became a community relations director for then-State's Attorney Richard M. Daley
Richard M. Daley
Richard Michael Daley is a United States politician, member of the national and local Democratic Party, and former Mayor of Chicago, Illinois. He was elected mayor in 1989 and reelected in 1991, 1995, 1999, 2003, and 2007. He was the longest serving Chicago mayor, surpassing the tenure of his...
, who became her political patron.
In 1987 Osterman emerged victorious from an eleven-person race in which Mayor Harold Washington
Harold Washington
Harold Lee Washington was an American lawyer and politician who became the first African-American Mayor of Chicago, serving from 1983 until his death in 1987.- Early years and military service :...
declined to endorse any candidate, and was elected alderman of the lakefront 48th Ward, which at that time consisted primarily of the Edgewater
Edgewater
Edgewater is a common name used throughout the world as a place name. It is often found in English-speaking countries such as Australia, Canada, United Kingdom and United States.-United States:*Edgewater, Alabama*Edgewater, Colorado...
community as well as parts of Uptown
Uptown, Chicago
Uptown is one of Chicago’s 77 community areas. Uptown has well defined boundaries. They are: Foster on the north; Lake Michigan on the east; Montrose , and Irving Park on the south; Ravenswood , and Clark on the west. Uptown borders three community areas and Lake Michigan...
. Initially a part of the Washington bloc in Council Wars
Council Wars
The Council Wars were a racially polarized political conflict in the city of Chicago from 1983-1986, centered on the Chicago City Council.The term came from a satirical comedy sketch of the same name written and performed by comedian and journalist Aaron Freeman in 1983, using the good-v.-evil plot...
, she switched to the largely white bloc immediately following Washington's death and during the tenure of Eugene Sawyer
Eugene Sawyer
Eugene Sawyer was an American businessman and politician who served as Mayor of Chicago, Illinois as a member of the Democratic Party. He was the second African American to serve as mayor of Chicago....
. She served on numerous City Council committees, including the Human Rights Committee, where she forged strong links with the ward's significant gay community. Only two years into her term, Osterman retired in 1989, facilitating Daley's appointment of Mary Ann Smith
Mary Ann Smith
Mary Ann Smith is alderman of the 48th ward of the City of Chicago; she was appointed in 1989 by Mayor Richard M. Daley to replace Kathy Osterman; she was first elected in 1991. On February 27, 2007 she was re-elected to her fifth full term of office....
as alderman. Osterman subsequently was appointed Director of the Mayor's Office of Special Events.
During her brief tenure, Osterman worked on the rehabilitation of the Broadway Armory and the restoration of two vintage mansions in Berger Park along Sheridan Road, as public facilities. She lobbied vigorously for passage of Chicago's Human Rights Ordinance in 1988. As a result Osterman is in the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame.
On May 1, 1992, Osterman married radio political commentator Bruce DuMont
Bruce DuMont
Bruce DuMont is an American political analyst and broadcaster based in Chicago, Illinois. He is the host of Beyond the Beltway talk radio, a show that airs on over 30 stations around the United States...
. Later that year she died of cancer
Cancer
Cancer , known medically as a malignant neoplasm, is a large group of different diseases, all involving unregulated cell growth. In cancer, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors, and invade nearby parts of the body. The cancer may also spread to more distant parts of the...
.