GetWiki

{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2023}}{{Short description|Chicago alderman (1927–2014)}}{{good article}}

factoids

| birth_place = Chicago, Illinois, U.S.20142210|24}}| death_place =Skokie, Illinois, U.S.| office = 5th Vice Mayor of Chicago| 1blankname = Mayor| 1namedata = Richard M. Daley| predecessor = Terry GabinskiRay Suarez (politician)>Ray Suarez| term_start = 1998| term_end = 2011| office1 = Chicago Alderman| term_start1 = 1973| term_end1 = 2011| predecessor1 = Jack I. Sperling| successor1 = Debra Silverstein| constituency1 = 50th WardDemocratic Party (United States)>Democratic (1956–1987; 1990–2014)Republican Party (United States)>Republican (1987–1990)Lois Stone1995|end = died}}| children = 4Wilbur Wright College (Bachelor of Arts>B.A.)John Marshall Law School (Chicago) (Juris Doctor>J.D.)United States}}United States}}|battles=World War II}}Bernard "Berny" L. Stone (November 24, 1927 – December 22, 2014) was alderman of the 50th Ward of the City of Chicago, Illinois from 1973 to 2011. The 50th Ward encompasses part of Chicago's far North Side and includes the West Ridge and Peterson Park neighborhoods. First elected to the Council in 1973, Stone was the second longest-serving alderman (after Edward M. Burke). His tenure spanned the terms of seven Mayors, from Richard J. Daley to Richard M. Daley. Stone was also Vice Mayor of the City of Chicago from 1998 to 2011.WEB, Chicago's Vice Mayor,weblink Chicago Tonight, WTTW, April 10, 2010, July 8, 2015, Stone was a part of the "Vrdolyak 29", which opposed Mayor Harold Washington's agenda.WEB, Bob, Crawford, Bob Crawford Audio Archive,weblink University of Illinois at Chicago, September 28, 1983, May 16, 2011, Though he was a Democrat for most of his life, Stone briefly followed Alderman Edward Vrdolyak to the Republican Party, and unsuccessfully ran against Carol Moseley Braun for Cook County Recorder of Deeds in 1988. Stone was a protagonist in a protracted legal conflict with the neighboring suburb of Evanston in 1993–1994. Employees of Stone's 2007 re-election campaign were convicted of vote fraud in 2010. Stone was "outspoken" and "relished the rough and tumble of politics".

Early life and education

Stone was born on November 24, 1927NEWS, Dave, Newbart, Friends, family and city aldermen turn out to help mark 80th birthday, Chicago Sun-Times, November 20, 2007, in Chicago to Jewish immigrant parents. He was educated in the Chicago Public Schools system at Von Humboldt Elementary and Tuley High School, which is now Roberto Clemente Community Academy. Stone enlisted in the United States Army in 1945. Stone attended Wright Junior College, now known as Wilbur Wright College, and John Marshall Law School.

Early political career

Early attempts at elected office

In 1956, Stone ran in the Democratic primary for the Illinois House of Representatives,NEWS, Johnson, Kanady, File Petitions of Carpentier and Chapman: Governor's Papers Expected Today, Chicago Daily Tribune, January 19, 1956, a5, {{ProQuest, 179720889, }}NEWS, Robert, Howard, 13 Democrats Scramble for Seats in 8th; Republicans Unopposed, in Primary, Chicago Daily Tribune, February 26, 1956, 10, {{ProQuest, 179738601, }} but was defeated by Esther Saperstein,NEWS, Robert, Howard, 12 Lose Seats in Contests for Assembly, Chicago Daily Tribune, April 12, 1956, 10, {{ProQuest, 179738915, }} who went on to serve in the Illinois House for ten years and became Illinois' first female state senator.NEWS, Jim, Quinlan, Ex-legislator Esther Saperstein dies, Chicago Sun-Times, May 18, 1988,weblink NewsBank, August 18, 2015, In 1963, Stone was one of a record 233 candidates filing to run for Chicago alderman, and one of ten challengers to the incumbent in the 50th Ward, Republican Alderman Jack I. Sperling, who sought a third four-year term. Stone filed without the endorsement of a political party.NEWS, 233 to Run for City Council, Chicago Daily Tribune, January 8, 1963, 10, {{ProQuest, 182584292, }} By February 1963, Stone was not on the ballot for the February 26, 1963, election.NEWS, Edward, Schreiber, Battle lines are drawn in ward races, Chicago Daily Tribune, February 3, 1963, {{ProQuest, 182608776, }}

1973 campaign for alderman

On January 29, 1973, the Supreme Court of Illinois appointed Alderman Sperling to fill a vacancy as Cook County Circuit Court judge.NEWS, State appoints 6 to fill vacancies on county bench, Chicago Tribune, January 30, 1973, 2,weblink August 18, 2015, The Chicago City Council called a special election for June 5, 1973, to fill vacant City Council seats, including the 50th Ward alderman seat. Stone was an employee in the office of Cook County Sheriff Richard Elrod and the vice president of the 50th Ward Regular Democratic Organization, which endorsed him for alderman.NEWS, Dems back sheriff's aide in 50th Ward, Chicago Tribune, February 26, 1973,weblink December 24, 2014, Stone was one of five candidates who filed to finish Sperling's term. Another candidate, independent Theodore Berland, was a medical writer and nationally recognized anti-noise activist who was chiefly responsible for Chicago's anti-noise ordinance.NEWS, Candidates, issues in alderman voting, Donald, Yabush, Daniel, Egler, Chicago Tribune, 44, May 13, 1973, {{ProQuest, 170407404, }}NEWS, Test of Daley; Parties watching ward elections, Donald, Yabush, Chicago Tribune, May 31, 1973, {{ProQuest, 170387642, }}NEWS, 5 special elections to be held Tuesday, Chicago Tribune, June 3, 1973, 53, {{ProQuest, 170412296, }}NEWS, Berland receives new endorsements, June 11, 1973, Chicago Tribune,weblink August 18, 2015, Stone organized the "Concerned Citizens of the 50th Ward" to counter neighboring Lincolnwood's opposition to a bridge over the North Shore Channel at Pratt Avenue, which Stone called a "necessity" for the 50th Ward.NEWS, Lincolnwood-Chicago bridge link brings storm of opposition, Connie, Lauerman, Chicago Tribune, May 24, 1973,weblink December 24, 2014, In the first round of voting, Stone led with 47% of the vote and Berland finished second, with 27%.NEWS, In 50th, 29th: Daley council foes rejoice over 2 ward runoffs, Edward, Schreiber, June 7, 1973, Chicago Tribune, {{ProQuest, 170418040, }}NEWS, Bob, Cromie, Ted Berland Sees Chance to Win, June 23, 1973, Chicago Tribune,weblink December 24, 2014, In the run-off election on July 3, 1973, Stone defeated Berland 12,882 to 10,958, with a turnout of about 53%, winning the 50th Ward for Democrats for the first time since 1955.NEWS, Daley council candidates win, July 4, 1973, Chicago Tribune, 4,weblink August 18, 2015,

Chicago City Council (1973–2011)

The Republican years (1987–1990)

Former Alderman and former Cook County Democratic Party chairman Edward R. Vrdolyak converted to the Republican Party and encouraged Stone to follow suit and run for Cook County Recorder of Deeds. By threatening Republican Party of Cook County leadership that he would run for county Chairman and Cook County State's Attorney, Vrdolyak brokered a deal to slate himself for Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County and Stone for Cook County Recorder of Deeds. On October 29, 1987, Stone announced he had joined the Republican Party and expressed his intention to run for Recorder. "I can no longer be part of a party that punishes law-abiding, tax-paying citizens and communities", Stone said, adding that he also felt "the Democratic Party is drifting away from America's historically strong commitment to Israel".NEWS, Steve, Neal, Ald. Stone joins GOP, plans to run for recorder, Chicago Sun-Times, October 30, 1987, 19,weblinkweblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20150924193458weblink">weblink dead, September 24, 2015, HighBeamNEWS, R. Bruce, Dold, Jan, Crawford, Ald. Stone to Run for Recorder as Republican, Chicago Tribune, October 30, 1987, 7,weblink NEWS, Andrew, Herrmann, Vrdolyak, Stone slated by GOP, Chicago Sun-Times, November 1, 1987, 7,weblink NewsBank, August 18, 2015, On November 25, 1987, Chicago Mayor Harold Washington died. Stone announced his candidacy for mayor to fellow aldermen on November 29 and to the public on December 1. Many saw Stone's mayoral candidacy as an attempt to publicize his Recorder race. Two days later the City Council elected Alderman Eugene Sawyer as mayor.BOOK, Fremon, David, Chicago Politics Ward by Ward, Indiana University Press, 1988, 343–353, 0-253-31344-9, In 1988, Stone ran as a Republican against African-American Democratic Illinois State Representative Carol Moseley Braun for Cook County Recorder of Deeds. Stone told reporters that although he did not expect their newspapers' endorsements, "Just run a picture of Braun. That's all I ask". Stone included Braun's photograph in his campaign flyers.NEWS, Steve, Neal, Stone's tactics are unlikely to dim Braun's rising star, Chicago Sun-Times, November 8, 1988, 21,weblink August 13, 2015, Newsbank, Stone was defeated by Braun and contributed to a sweep of Cook County offices by Democrats.NEWS, Fran, Spielman, Ex-Dems are blamed for GOP county losses, Chicago Sun-Times, November 10, 1988, 12,weblink NewsBank, August 18, 2015, In 1989, Stone unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination for Mayor of Chicago, to unseat Mayor Sawyer.NEWS, R. Bruce, Dold, Jessica, Seigel, Daley? Mayoral Field Tries to Look Away, Chicago Tribune, December 6, 1988, 4,weblink Richard M. Daley defeated Sawyer in the Democratic primary and Republican nominee Edward Vrdolyak in the general election to become mayor. In 1990, Stone returned to the Democratic Party.NEWS, The return of the prodigal Stone, Chicago Tribune, December 10, 1990, 14,weblink

"Berny's Wall"

Although resident and corporate relations between Chicago and neighboring suburb Evanston are generally cordial and co-operative, Stone was a protagonist in perhaps the most significant altercation in recent decades. The Evanston City Council adopted the Southwest II Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District, also called the Howard-Hartrey TIF, on April 27, 1992, in order to incent the development of a disused 23-acre Bell and Howell distribution center.WEB, City of Evanston TIF Summaries,weblink October 1, 2010,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20110723230934weblink">weblink July 23, 2011, dead, A city contractor installed a $150,000, {{convert|2.5|ft}} high, three-block-long, continuous steel guardrail down the middle of Howard Street, from Kedzie Avenue to California Avenue, blocking vehicles from crossing between Evanston and Chicago, to protect residents from the vehicular traffic expected at a proposed shopping center on the Evanston side of Howard Street that was projected to open in 1995. A Cook County Circuit Court judge denied Evanston's request for a restraining order to halt the erection of the barrier, which became known in the media as "Berny's Wall".NEWS, Stonewalled; Alderman fences off his ward from Evanston mall, Jon, Hilkevitch, Chicago Tribune, May 27, 1993, 1,weblink NEWS, Aldermen talk; wall still stands, Jon, Hilkevitch, Chicago Tribune, May 28, 1993, 3,weblink August 18, 2015, NEWS, Evanston Alderman's Plea Hits Stone Wall, Chicago Sun-Times, May 28, 1993, Rebecca, Carr,weblink NewsBank, August 18, 2015, The Chicago Tribune editorialized calling Stone "silly" and the guardrail a "senseless idea...just an insipid ploy by a useless alderman who has too much time on his hands and too much of the taxpayers' money at his disposal".NEWS, Bernie Stone's $150,000 Folly, Chicago Tribune, May 29, 1993, 18,weblink On May 28, 1993, Evanston Mayor Lorraine H. Morton, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, Stone, and city officials met at Chicago City Hall, and hours later, Morton announced that Evanston would drop legal action against Chicago.NEWS, Evanston drops lawsuit on Howard Street 'wall', Jon, Hilkevitch, John, Kass, Chicago Tribune, May 29, 1993, 5,weblink The next day, after consultation with Evanston's corporation counsel and others, Evanston announced they would continue legal recourse in conjunction with negotiations.NEWS, Evanston plots demise of barrier, Jon, Hilkevitch, Chicago Tribune, May 30, 1993, 3,weblink Stone demanded that Evanston pick up the cost of the installation and removal of the guardrail. On June 1, 1993, the Evanston City Council voted to refuse to contribute funds, to continue their lawsuit, and to defer modifications to the site plan until the barrier was dismantled.NEWS, Evanston isn't backing down in its wall fight with Chicago, Jon, Hilkevitch, Brian, Cox, Chicago Tribune, June 2, 1993, 8,weblink Testimony began July 25, 1994. Chicago Transportation Commissioner Joseph Boyle Jr. and Planning Commissioner Valerie Jarrett testified that the guardrail had been installed at Stone's request without the benefit of traffic or planning studies. A partner of the shopping center's construction firm testified that Stone had discussed with him in 1992 the idea of siting the project on vacant land near the Lincoln Village Shopping Center, a site that was scheduled to be redistricted into the 50th Ward in 1995.NEWS, Howard St. Barricade Trial Begins, Andrew, Fegelman, Chicago Tribune, July 26, 1994, 2,weblink Evanston officials said Stone was jealous of the project going to Evanston.NEWS, Andrew, Fegelman, Judge Holds the Line, Tells City to Tear Down Howard St. Wall, Chicago Tribune, September 28, 1994,weblink December 24, 2012, On September 21, 1994, the judge ruled that the March 25, 1993, resolution which Stone ushered through the Chicago City Council authorized Chicago's Department of Transportation commissioner to consider a barrier, declared that the Department had no authority to install the guardrail, ordered Chicago to remove it and pay all costs including Evanston's legal fees, and dismissed Chicago's countersuit to block the shopping center.NEWS, City-Evanston Wall to Come Down, Andrew, Fegelman, Anne, Stein, Chicago Tribune, September 22, 1994, 1,weblink Chicago's request for a stay pending appeal was denied, Bell and Howell agreed to pay the estimated $35,000 to remove the barrier, and removal began on October 4, 1994. "The party isn't over until the fat man sings, and I'm the fat man", said Stone.NEWS, Jon, Hilkevitch, Andrew, Backover, Disputed 'Stone Wall' begins to come down, Chicago Tribune, October 5, 1994,weblink The Chicago Tribune editorialized calling the barrier "a petty, indulgent waste of money at the people's expense".NEWS, It's Time to Tear Down Bernie's Folly, Chicago Tribune, September 23, 1994, 20,weblink Stone passed legislation through the Chicago City Council to change to one-way, northbound only, portions of Kedzie and Sacramento Avenues, two Chicago streets south of the shopping center. After the changes were implemented November 10, 1994, Stone's office received numerous complaints, and by November 16 Kedzie was again a two-way street.NEWS, Alderman Goes with the Flow on Kedzie Traffic; Stone, Council Reverse 1-Way Order, Larry, Hartstein, November 25, 1994, 2, Chicago Tribune,weblink On November 3, 1999, the City of Chicago established the Lincoln Avenue TIF district, including the Lincoln Village Shopping Center area.WEB, Authorization for Approval of Tax Increment Redevelopment Plan for Lincoln Avenue Redevelopment Project Area,weblink October 1, 2010,

Sleeping in Council Chambers

(File:BernardLStone.png|thumb|right|Chicago Alderman Bernard L. Stone (50th) at his desk in Chicago City Council Chambers, January 2004)A photograph of Stone asleep in Council Chambers, during a hearing on an ordinance restricting the use of a cell phone while operating an automobile, ran on the front page of the Chicago Sun-Times in January 2004.NEWS, Bob, Black, Do you blame him?, Chicago Sun-Times, January 14, 2004,weblink NewsBank, August 18, 2015, "Some aldermen have a tendency while they're thinking to close their eyes and that may register with their constituency as not paying attention or, perhaps, even sleeping during the session", Stone later explained.NEWS, See Council in action – or at rest – on the Net, Fran, Spielman, Chicago Sun-Times, 14, January 14, 2004, August 18, 2015,weblink NewsBank, Stone fell asleep at his desk in Council Chambers in City Hall during the City Council's Finance Committee debate on the controversial parking meter lease in December 2008 and was photographed by the press.NEWS, Tony, Arnold, Your Leaders at Work,weblink WBEZ Chicago Public Radio, December 3, 2008, October 31, 2009, Stone was videotaped sleeping during a Finance Committee hearing on the transparency of the City's tax increment financing program in March 2009.WEB, Berny Stone: Your Tax Dollars At Rest,weblink Progress Illinois, March 17, 2009, October 31, 2009, WEB, Ald. Berny Stone "rests his eyes",weblinkweblink December 21, 2021, live, YouTube, March 16, 2009, October 31, 2009, {{cbignore}}

Campaign employees convicted of vote fraud

On September 4, 2007, speaking from the floor of Council Chambers during a meeting of the Buildings Committee, Stone warned fellow aldermen of an ongoing investigation into absentee balloting.NEWS, City's absentee ballots probed; Constituents being questioned about election, Stone says,weblink Gary, Washburn, Mickey, Ciokajlo, Chicago Tribune, September 6, 2007, September 26, 2010, On January 28, 2008, two employees of Stone's 2007 re-election campaign were arrested and charged with improperly influencing voters, primarily from the ward's Indian and Pakistani communities, to vote absentee for Stone. Anish Eapen, a precinct captain and a ward superintendent with the city's Streets and Sanitation Department, was charged with "official misconduct, absentee ballot fraud, and mutilation of election materials". Eapen allegedly partnered with Armando Ramos, an unemployed student, who was also charged with absentee ballot fraud and mutilation of election materials. Stone accused the state attorney's office of acting at the behest of the area's U.S. Representative, Jan Schakowsky. "We know where this all started. We know it's politically based. ... Her [Schakowsky's] aide was soliciting the state's attorney to investigate. It's absolutely a devious political trick", he said. Schakowsky denied involvement.NEWS, Gary, Washburn, Precinct captain for Chicago Ald. Bernard Stone is charged with vote fraud in 2007 aldermanic election; 50th Ward Streets and Sanitation Department superintendent accused of absentee ballot fraud and mutilation of election materials, Chicago Tribune, January 29, 2008, 3,weblink NEWS, Stone aide tied to ballot fraud, January 29, 2008, September 26, 2010, Fran, Spielman, Chicago Sun-Times,weblinkweblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20150924171742weblink">weblink dead, September 24, 2015, HighBeam Bond was set at $50,000 and $40,000 for Eapen and Ramos, respectively.NEWS, Ward official manipulated absentee votes: prosecutor, January 30, 2008, August 18, 2015, Kara, Spak, Chicago Sun-Times,weblink NewsBank, NEWS, Official's vote fraud charges are detailed, Mary, Owen, Chicago Tribune, January 30, 2008, 4,weblink August 18, 2015, City Inspector General David H. Hoffman called for Eapen to be fired. For nearly two years, Eapen was on paid administrative leave from his $83,940-a-year job with the city. On October 8, 2009, Streets and Sanitation Department Commissioner Tom Byrne found Eapen a job tracking equipment. Stone blamed Byrne's predecessor for Eapen's paid leave, saying "Mike Picardi has no cojones".NEWS, No work, full pay for alderman 's pal – Stone 's handpicked precinct captain keeps $84,000 salary for almost 2 years while awaiting trial for ballot fraud, November 1, 2009, August 18, 2015, Fran, Spielman, Chicago Sun-Times,weblink NewsBank, On October 24, 2008, during the annual budget hearing process, Inspector General Hoffman testified before the Committee on the Budget of the Chicago City Council. "It is my intent, Mr. Inspector General, to wipe your entire office out of the budget", Stone told Hoffman. "It is my intent to submit a budget amendment which will destroy your department".NEWS, October 24, 2008, Ald. Stone vows to 'destroy' city watchdog agency, Hal, Dardick,weblink Chicago Tribune, "He's come after me, so I'm going after him. That's the way the game is played", Stone said.NEWS, Ald. Stone targets inspector general: 'I'm going after him', Chicago Sun-Times, November 18, 2008, Fran, Spielman,weblinkweblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20150924171806weblink">weblink dead, September 24, 2015, HighBeam Stone's amendment came before the Budget Committee on November 17, 2008, and was tabled 14-2.NEWS, November 17, 2008, Alderman fails in bid to eliminate inspector general, Hal, Dardick, Chicago Tribune,weblink Eapen and Ramos waived their right to trial by jury. In a bench trial, four members of a family who lived in the ward testified that Eapen came to their homes, watched as they completed the absentee ballot applications and absentee ballots, collected their ballots, and mailed them. One family member, who was not registered to vote, testified that Eapen filled out her ballot and she signed it.NEWS, Ward chief filled out my ballot: voter, November 10, 2009, August 18, 2015, Rummana, Hussain, Chicago Sun-Times,weblink NewsBank, NEWS, Prosecutor alleges pair tainted vote in 50th Ward; Precinct captain, volunteer said to have manipulated absentee ballots, cast absentee votes for Ald. Bernard Stone,weblink October 10, 2009, Matthew, Walberg, September 26, 2010, Chicago Tribune, Another witness testified that when she told Stone in his office that Ramos filled out her ballot, Stone was dismissive, saying, "This meeting is over". Stone commented on the testimony, "I have no recollection of what she is talking about".NEWS, Stone knew of attempt to sway vote, witness says, November 18, 2009, August 18, 2015, Chicago Sun-Times,weblink NewsBank, On June 24, 2010, Cook County Judge Marcus Salone found Eapen and Ramos each guilty on one count of attempted mutilation of voting materials and additional counts of attempted absentee ballot violations.NEWS, Two Former Aides for Ald. Berny Stone Found Guilty, July 8, 2015, June 24, 2010,weblink Lake Effect News, Lorraine, Swanson, ChicagoTalks, dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20150715005645weblink">weblink July 15, 2015, On August 4, 2010, Salone sentenced Eapen and Ramos to prison terms of 364 days and 270 days, respectively.PRESS RELEASE, Former City of Chicago Employee Sentenced in Vote Fraud, August 4, 2010, City of Chicago Office of Inspector General,weblink Salone said "I think the evidence is overwhelming. The reality is that Mr. Eapen and Mr. Ramos attempted to steal democracy and they did it in a vicious way". Stone called the case "a witch hunt", said that Ramos and Eapen were "political prisoners", and compared their crimes to "spitting on the sidewalk". Stone said Inspector General Hoffman targeted his staff while failing to investigate other aldermen's staffs. "They are not the ones who attempted to steal democracy. The one who attempted to steal democracy was David Hoffman", Stone said. "This is a miscarriage of justice".NEWS, Jail time for 2 who tried to steer votes to Ald. Stone, August 5, 2009, September 26, 2010, Rummana, Hussain, Chicago Sun-Times,weblinkweblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20150924171906weblink">weblink dead, September 24, 2015, HighBeamNEWS, Former political workers sentenced for vote fraud, August 4, 2010, Matthew, Walberg, Chicago Tribune,weblink September 26, 2010, 8, NEWS, Jail Time for Former Aides to Ald. Berny Stone, July 8, 2015, August 4, 2010,weblink Lake Effect News, Lorraine, Swanson, ChicagoTalks, dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20150715005642weblink">weblink July 15, 2015, NEWS, Two Bernie Stone Operatives Sentenced To Jail for Vote-Getting Efforts, 'Attempting to steal democracy', Sun-Times Media Wire,weblink WFLD, August 8, 2009, July 8, 2015, dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20150709160217weblink">weblink July 9, 2015,

Committees

Stone was the Chairman of the City Council Committee on Buildings, and also served on the following City Council committees: Budget and Government Operations, Finance, Historical Landmark Preservation, Housing and Landmark Preservation, Traffic Control and Safety, and the Committee on Committees.WEB, Rahm, Emanuel, Rahm Emanuel, Tribute to the Late Bernard Stone, Former Alderman of the 50th Ward [R2015-312], 105506, Journal of the Proceedings of the Chicago City Council, Office of the City Clerk of the City of Chicago, April 15, 2015, August 10, 2015,weblink

Loss in 2011 run-off

In 2008, Illinois State Senator Ira Silverstein defeated Stone in the voting for the 50th Ward Democratic committeeman, an unpaid party post. In February 2011, in a five-way race for alderman including Silverstein's wife, Certified Public Accountant Debra Silverstein, no candidate garnered 50% plus one of the vote, forcing a run-off.NEWS, Stone, Silverstein face runoff for 50th Ward alderman, February 22, 2011, Ben, Bradley,weblink WLS-TV, July 8, 2015, NEWS, Bitter runoff in 50th Ward, March 24, 2011, Hal, Dardick, Chicago Tribune,weblink VIDEO, Vying for the 50th Ward, Chicago Tonight, March 22, 2011,weblink NEWS, Runoffs for Aldermen Pose First Test for Emanuel in Dealings With Council, February 24, 2011, August 18, 2015,weblink Dan, Mihalopoulos, Mick, Dumke, The New York Times, In the April 2011 run-off, Debra Silverstein prevailed with 62% of the vote to 38% for Stone.NEWS, Runoffs Complete City Council's Overhaul, Dan, Mihalopoulos, Hunter, Clauss, April 5, 2011, Chicago News Cooperative, NEWS, Silverstein's Victory Ends Stone's Long Run, April 6, 2011,weblink Craig, Dellimore, CBS Chicago, NEWS, Stone, Lyle lose as Chicago City Council gets makeover, April 5, 2011, Hal, Dardick, John, Byrne, Chicago Tribune, July 8, 2015,weblink Stone scored just 38 percent in losing his first council election since 1973., On election night, Stone said Silverstein would be "a disaster for this ward. There's no way I'll help her. She knows nothing".NEWS, End of the road for Ald. Stone in 50th, Natasha, Korecki, Stefano, Esposito, Dan, Rozek, April 6, 2011, Chicago Sun-Times,weblink NewsBank, August 18, 2015, Stone's tenure as alderman spanned seven Chicago Mayors, including two Mayors Daley.

Political philosophy

Stone stated his political philosophy as "You take care of the people who take care of you – you know, the people who voted for you. That's not Chicago politics, that's Politics 101".NEWS, Pam, Zekman, Pam Zekman, How Do Aldermen Spend Their 'Piggy Bank' Money? Munoz Accused Of Hoarding Funds For Park While Some Residents Demand Improvements, WBBM-TV, October 29, 2009,weblink August 18, 2015, Better Government Association,

Legacy

In 2017 a 1.8 acre greenspace along the North Shore Channel just south of Devon Avenue in the 50th ward was dedicated Berny Stone Park.NEWS, Chicago Tribune, Peace breaks out in 50th Ward, Kim, Janssen, October 5, 2017, October 22, 2017,weblink NEWS, Chicago Reader, The turbulent history of the bike bridge that will finally complete the North Shore Channel Trail, John, Greenfield, October 22, 2017,weblink

Personal life

Stone married his wife, Lois (d. 1995), in 1949. They had three daughters and a son.WEB,weblink Chicago Jewish Funerals: Bernard Stone, Legacy.com, 2015, August 13, 2015, WEB,weblinkweblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20150924194152weblink">weblink dead, September 24, 2015, Lois D. Stone, Wife of Alderman, Chicago Sun-Times, December 7, 1995, August 13, 2015, HighBeamStone worshipped at Congregation Ezras Israel and served on their Board of Directors. Stone also served on the Board of Directors for the Bernard Horwich Jewish Community Center, the Associated Talmud Torahs, and the Jewish National Fund.WEB, Former Chicago Alderman Bernard Stone dies at 87, Cindy, Sher,weblink Jewish United Fund, December 23, 2014, July 8, 2015, In 2003, Stone's son, Jay, unsuccessfully challenged incumbent 32nd Ward Alderman Theodore Matlak. Stone supported Matlak, calling his son "an embarrassment" who "doesn't know what he's doing". Father and son remained on good terms.NEWS, Ben, Joravsky, Stone Rocks the Boat; Somebody's Gonna Be Mad; A Daley stalwart rebels. Could it be the influence of his son the talk-show host?, Chicago Reader, May 20, 2004,weblink Stone died on December 22, 2014, at age 87 from complications from a fall. Stone was remembered by the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times as "outspoken"; by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel as "fiercely loyal to his constituents"; and in a City Council resolution as "a vigorous advocate for the people of the 50th Ward".NEWS, Chicago's old guard remembers Stone in Skokie, Jon, Seidel, December 23, 2014, July 8, 2015, Chicago Sun-Times,weblink dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20150709154216weblink">weblink July 9, 2015, NEWS, Stefano, Esposito, Bernard Stone, former Chicago alderman, dies at age 87, Chicago Sun-Times, December 22, 2014, December 22, 2014,weblink dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20141222163650weblink">weblink December 22, 2014, NEWS, Former Chicago Alderman Bernie Stone dead at 87, Kim, Geiger, Gary, Washburn,weblink December 22, 2014, July 8, 2015, Chicago Tribune,

References

{{Reflist|30em}}

External links

• "Committee of One: Berny Stone don’t need no stinking quorum" Mick Dumke, Chicago Reader, December 15, 2006
• "The $75,000 Parking Spot" Ben Joravsky, Chicago Reader, April 28, 2006

{{Authority control}}