Alderman Roderick T. Sawyer was sworn in as Alderman of the 6^th Ward in May of 2011. Chicago’s 6^th Ward represent the Chatman, Chesterfield, Englewood, Greater Grand Crossing, Park Manor and Auburn-Gresham neighborhoods. In March of 2012, he also became the Democrat Committeeman of the 6^th Ward, which is a part of the Cook County Democrat Party.

Chairman of Aldermanic Black Caucus

• Alderman Sawyer, For the past three years, he’s held the position as Chairman of the City Council Black Caucus, a group of 18 aldermen who represent predominately African American wards throughout the city. As an active member of the City Council Committees Focus on Education and Child Development, Human Relations, License and Recreation Vice-Chairman). Rules and Ethics, Finance and Budget and Government Operations.

Member Progressive Caucus

• Alderman Sawyer is a member of The Progressive Reform Caucus of the Chicago City Council Adopted February 2013. The Progressive Reform Coalition of the Chicago City Council is dedicated to creating a more just and equal Chicago, combating all forms of discrimination, and advancing public policies that offer a genuine opportunity to all Chicagoans, especially those who have been left out of our society’s prosperity.

Developments

• Renovation of The Whitney Young Library expected completion date (December 2018)
• Relocation & New Construction of Fleet and Facilities Management Center (January 2019)
• Construction of The New Englewood High School expected to open (Fall 2019)

Ordinance

• Alderman Roderick Sawyer is Chief Co-Sponsor of the Ordinance allowing youth ages 19-21 to work in restaurants and grocery stores that permits/ grant permission to ring up beverages containing alcohol. The ordinance represents a logical solution to a common inconvenience: wait time at a supermarket for a minor cashier to call his or her manager to ring up an alcohol sale. This change has allowed for a more seamless transaction, and further allows for adults who are not yet of legal drinking age to be employed in roles that require the handling of liquor- and in the future to help put a dent in the City’s unemployment rate among young adults. The ordinance doesn’t apply to sports stadiums and only allow minors to serve, sell and stock liquor: opening bottles and caps or mixing drinks is still be off limits.
• Alderman Sawyer, Chief Co-Sponsor of the Ordinance allowing the community to participate in policing decisions. The Ordinance creating the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability that would guide leadership, direction, and policy on policing in Chicago.
• Alderman Sawyer, Sponsor and Supporter of the original Cook County Minimum Wage Ordinance proposing to establish a $15 Minimum Wage in Chicago that was introduced to the City Council May of 2014. The Ordinance, sponsored by Alderman Sawyer, allows a one -year “phase-in” period for large corporations with profits of $50 million a year or more. Small and mid-sized businesses will have about five years to increase their wages to $15 an hour.
• The Original Chief Co-Sponsor calling for an elected school board.