Leon Mathis Despres
Despres_Leon_Mathis.jpg
Leon Desopres was an author, attorney and politician.In April 1955, Despres was elected to the Chicago City Council from the city’s Hyde Park neighborhood, as alderman of the 5th ward. Serving until 1975, Despres gained fame as an independent Democrat, consistently opposing the policies of Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley. Frequently on the short end of 49-1 votes, Despres became known as the ‘liberal conscience of Chicago.
Challenging the Daley machine :