ENTERED OFFICE: 2003, defeating incumbent Leonard DeVille

PREVIOUS LIFE: Lawyer

FAMILY TIES: Father Howard Brookins Sr., former state senator

ACT OF COMPLIANCE: Voted for parking meter deal

ACT OF DEFIANCE: Cubs fan, though native south-sider

EXPLANATION: "I loved Lee Smith. He seemed like he put a little Jheri-curl juice on the ball and then struck out the side."

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