Harry Osterman Explained

Harry Osterman
Office:Member of the Chicago City Council
from the 48th ward
Term Start:May 16, 2011
Term End:May 15, 2023
Predecessor:Mary Ann Smith
Successor:Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth
State House1:Illinois
District1:14th
Term Start1:January 12, 2000
Term End1:May 16, 2011
Predecessor1:Carol Ronen
Successor1:Kelly Cassidy
Birth Date:14 April 1967
Birth Place:Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Party:Democratic
Spouse:Peggy Osterman
Children:3
Relatives:Kathy Osterman (mother)

Harry Osterman (born April 14, 1967)[1] is an American politician who served as a member of the Chicago City Council from the 48th ward from 2011 to 2023. He previously served in the Illinois House of Representatives for the 14th District from 2000 to 2011.

Early life and education

Born and raised in Chicago, Osterman graduated from Gordon Technical High School in 1985. He attended Illinois State University and Loyola University Chicago, but did not earn a degree.[2]

Career

Osterman began his career as an aide to 48th ward Alderman Mary Ann Smith, then he worked as a staff liaison to the Chicago Police Department and the Cook County State's Attorney’s Office.

Illinois House of Representatives

Osterman was originally appointed as to the state house to complete the term of Carol Ronen, who had been elected to the Illinois Senate.

Osterman represented the 14th district in the Illinois House of Representatives from 2000 until 2011, when he resigned to assume office as Chicago alderman.[3]

Chicago City Council

Osterman was elected alderman for the 48th Ward in the 2011 Chicago aldermanic election to replace outgoing alderman Mary Ann Smith. He was reelected in 2015 and 2019. On July 15, 2022, Osterman announced he would not seek a 4th term as alderman.[4]

During the mayoralty of Lori Lightfoot, Osterman has been considered an ally of Lightfoot on the City Council.[5]

Personal life

Harry Osterman's mother, Alderman Kathy Osterman represented the 48th Ward from 1987 to 1989.[6]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Illinois General Assembly - Representative Biography. 2021-06-26. www.ilga.gov.
  2. Web site: Board. CST Editorial. 2019-01-27. 48th Ward candidate for alderman: Harry Osterman. 2021-06-26. Chicago Sun-Times. en.
  3. Web site: Meet Alderman Osterman – Harry Osterman for 48th Ward Alderman. 2021-06-26. en-US.
  4. Web site: Cherone . Heather . Ald. Harry Osterman Announces He Won't Seek 4th Term Representing Edgewater on Chicago City Council . WTTW . 26 September 2022.
  5. Web site: Woelfel . Mariah . As Mayor Lori Lightfoot runs again, a look at who's backing her and who's looking elsewhere . WBEZ Chicago . 5 December 2022 . en . 30 November 2022.
  6. Web site: Kathy Osterman - Remembered Through the Eyes and Hearts of Her Community Edgewater Historical Society. 2021-06-26. www.edgewaterhistory.org.