NIU Law Alumni Win Highly Contested Chicago Aldermanic Seats
April 18, 2007
DeKalb, Ill. - Northern Illinois University College of Law graduates Howard Brookins and Robert Fioretti emerged victorious in two of Chicago’s highly contested aldermanic run-off elections on April 17. Brookins was re-elected alderman of the 21st Ward. Fioretti will take over the seat in the 2nd Ward.
"NIU Law extends its congratulations to Howard and Bob for their significant election wins," remarked NIU Law Dean LeRoy Pernell. "Public service is paramount to the mission of NIU Law, and their roles as public officials in the great city of Chicago reflect those values."
A 1988 NIU Law alumnus, Brookins was first elected alderman of the South Side Ward in 2003. During his freshman term, Brookins addressed key issues on crime, economic development, and employment opportunities in his ward’s 76 precincts. Among his accomplishments are the additions of several major retailers to the area.
Brookins also is a partner with the Brookins and Wilson Law Firm. He is an active member with a number of committees and organizations that include Trinity United Church of Christ, Prince Hall Mason Eureka Lodge #64, Community Media Workshop, Northern Illinois University Alumni Association, Alpha Phi Alpha and the 9100 South Union Block Club.
Fioretti, a 1978 NIU Law graduate, prevailed over incumbent Madeline Haithcock with 65 percent of the vote to serve as alderman in the South Loop Ward. As alderman, Fioretti plans to form a Community Advisory Committee on Juvenile Crime, put a hold on raising taxes, support living wages, and promote environmentally conscious building standards for new developments.
An accomplished civil rights attorney, Fioretti is a partner in the firm of Fioretti, Lower & Carbonara and practices in the areas of governmental law, administrative law, zoning law and also handles complex litigation. One of his most recent victories was winning a $9 million wrongful conviction settlement from the city of Chicago. He also has practiced in the public sector as the former senior supervising attorney of the General Litigation Division for the Corporation Counsel for the city of Chicago, where he was involved in more than 500 civil rights cases. In addition, Fioretti is an active member in several civic organizations. He is past president and volunteer of the Historic Pullman Foundation; former vice president of the Chicago Athletic Association; a member of the Justinian Society of Lawyers, and a board member of the Italian-American Political Coalition, where he serves as chair of its Endorsement Committee. Furthermore, Fioretti is active with NIU having previously served as president of the NIU Alumni Association as well as serving on the NIU Law Alumni Council and Board of Visitors.
For more information, contact:
Melody Mitchell
Director, Alumni Events & Public Relations
(815) 753-9655
mmitchell@niu.edu