Harry Osterman has been Alderman of the 48th Ward since May 2011. He is a progressive, independent voice committed to serving his community.

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Harry was born in Chicago and grew up in Edgewater.  A lifelong resident of the 48th Ward, he and his wife, Peggy, are committed to raising their three children in this diverse neighborhood.

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Harry’s commitment to fighting for his community was instilled at a young age by his mother, Kathy Osterman, a former alderman and longtime community activist.

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As a community activist and former President of the Edgewater Community Council, Harry has worked on many community issues and he is well versed in the problems we face and how to address them. Among his top priorities are public safety, education and economic development.

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For 11 years before being elected as Alderman, Harry was the State Representative for the 14th District, serving the Andersonville, Edgewater, and Rogers Park neighborhoods.  As a State Representative, Harry tirelessly fought for legislation to improve the quality of life in his district.

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He led the fight to close the gun show loophole, renovate the Broadway Armory, increase safety for seniors and nursing home patients, expand early childhood education, improve our local schools, and secure grants for more security cameras near CTA stops and Cease Fire violence intervention.

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Additionally, as a longtime supporter of the LGBT community, Harry worked to pass the civil union legislation.