Terry Gabinski

Terry Gabinski
4th Vice Mayor of Chicago
In office
1988–1998
MayorEugene Sawyer
Richard M. Daley
Preceded byDavid Orr
Succeeded byBernard Stone
City of Chicago Alderman
from the 32nd Ward
In office
March 12, 1969 – May 21, 1998
Preceded byRobert Sulski
Succeeded byTheodore Matlak
Personal details
Born (1938-11-20) November 20, 1938 (age 86)
Political partyDemocratic
SpouseCeleste
Alma materNorthern Illinois University (BS)
Loyola University (MEd)
ProfessionPolitician
Teacher

Theris M. Gabinski (born November 30, 1938) was an American politician who served as a Chicago alderman representing the 32nd ward from 1969 to 1998 and as Democratic committeeman from the city's 32nd ward from 1988 to 2008.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Northern Illinois University in 1962. He became a teacher at Ridgewood High School in suburban Norridge before becoming an aide to Congressman Dan Rostenkowski. Rostenowski later backed him for an appointment to Alderman for the 32nd ward after Robert Sulski became a judge on the Circuit Court of Cook County.[1] He took office the same day as Edward M. Burke.[2]

During the Council Wars he sided with the all-white Vrdolyak 29 in opposition of Mayor Harold Washington. In 1988, he was appointed Democratic Committeeman for the ward; succeeding his mentor Rostenkowski. In the 1987 election when Washington took a majority on the council, he defeated Washington-ally Emma Lozano Rico, the sister of labor activist Rudy Lozano, with 75% of the vote.[1]

From 1988 until 1998, Gabinski was the city's Vice Mayor.[3][4] Gabinski was elected Vice Mayor by the Chicago City Council after they voted to oust David Orr over his attempts to make reforms that would have held the council's committees more accountable for the budgets they manage.[3]

He resigned from the council before the end of his eighth term and was succeeded by Theodore Matlak on May 21, 1998.[5] In 2008, he stepped down as Democratic Committeeman allowing his almost opponent in 2004, John Fritchey, to run with token opposition.[6]

  1. ^ a b Fremon, David K. (October 22, 1988). Chicago Politics Ward by Ward. Bloomington, Indiana: Indiana University Press. p. 110. ISBN 0-253-31344-9.
  2. ^ Martin, Andrew; Washburn, Gary (January 28, 1998). "Council's Gabinski Shy, Now Retiring: 29-year Vet Served Ward Quietly". Chicago Tribune. Chicago, Illinois. Archived from the original on September 11, 2017. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  3. ^ a b Dold, R. Bruce (26 May 1988). "COUNCIL REPLACES ORR AS VICE MAYOR". chicagotribune.com. Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on 13 May 2021. Retrieved 16 April 2020.
  4. ^ Tribune, Chicago (5 May 1988). "GABINSKI'S TOP AIDE LIKELY TO SUCCEED HIM". chicagotribune.com. Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on 13 May 2021. Retrieved 16 April 2020.
  5. ^ Martin, Andrew; Washburn, Gary (May 21, 1998). "Aldermen Target Hospitals After Teen's Death". Chicago Tribune. Chicago, Illinois. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  6. ^ Miller, Rich (November 6, 2007). "Filing Day". Capitol Fax. Springfield, Illinois. Archived from the original on August 18, 2024. Retrieved May 23, 2017.