Alderman Tom Tunney ( 44th Ward ) is taking some heat after recently violating the city's cell-phone ordinance.
Tunney was ticketed for using a hand-held cell phone while driving in his own ward on Fri., Oct. 12. The alderman had voted in support of the cell phone ban back in 2005.
Per protocol, the city official was ticketed after being caught violating the ban, and had his license taken away by the officer. Later that day, the 23rd District returned Tunney's license. The Chicago Police Department has stated to the media that it is currently investigating whether policy was violated.
'I have been open about the fact that I was ticketed for driving while talking on my cell phone,' Tunney said in a statement released by his office. The alderman said he usually pulls over when he receives calls.
'As far as I was concerned, he was a police officer doing his job,' Tunney said. 'He saw a violation of a city ordinance and enforced the law.'
According to Tunney, he called the 23rd District Commander and inquired why, when serious crimes remain unsolved, officers are assigned to target drivers violating the ban. After the phone call, the commander had Tunney's license returned, even though the alderman stressed he 'didn't ask for special treatment' or to get his license back.
Tunney promised to use a hands-free device from now on.