William Beavers

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William M. Beavers (born February 21, 1935) was alderman of the 7th Ward (map) in Chicago. His ward encompasses part of Chicago's South Side. A member of the Democratic Party, he was first elected to the Chicago City Council in 1983.

Beavers is considered a skilled political insider at Chicago City Hall and chairs the powerful Budget Committee. He is vice-chairman of the Aviation Committee. Additionally, he serves on three other committees: Finance; Committees, Rules and Ethics; and Transportation and Public Way.

His aldermanic biography boasts that "he is a master of the back-room deals," "an alderman's alderman," and "an avid smoker" whose suits are "finely tailored."

He also has a reputation for being forthright and candid.

Before his entry into politics, Beavers was a Chicago police officer for 21 years and was a major force behind the city's ban on racial profiling.

In 2006, Beavers reportedly engineered a complex deal concerning the retirement of Cook County Board President John Stroger, who suffered a stroke in March of that year. The deal calls for Beavers to assume Stroger's County Commissioner seat, Stroger's son, Todd Stroger, to replace his father on the November 2006 ballot as County Board president, and for Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley to appoint Beavers' daughter and long-time aide, Darcel Beavers, to her father's 7th Ward seat.

U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr.'s wife, Sandi, has been rumored to be a potential candidate for the 7th Ward seat for the 2007 Chicago City Council election. Ald. Beavers and Congressman Jackson have engaged in a war of words over the ensuing electoral battle.