Quick Facts
Biography
Proco Joe Moreno III (born May 19, 1972) was appointed to replace Manny Flores as Chicago's 1st Ward Alderman by Mayor Richard M. Daley on March 26, 2010. The 1st Ward of Chicago incorporates areas including: Wicker Park, Bucktown, East Village, Ukrainian Village, and Logan Square.
Early life and education
Moreno was born in Moline, Illinois and moved to Chicago after graduating from Augustana College, with a B.A. in Business and Art. Moreno has an M.B.A. from DePaul University and was vice president at a printing company before becoming Alderman. Moreno graduated from the Metropolitan Leadership Institute of United Neighborhood Organization (UNO), which seeks to develop political leaders within the Hispanic community.
Political career
In 2008, Moreno ran in the Democratic primary election against incumbent Illinois State Senator Willie Delgado in District 2 and lost.
2008 2nd District State Senator Democratic Primary
| Candidate | Votes | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Proco "Joe" Moreno | 9945 | 40.43% |
| William "Willie" Delgado | 14653 | 59.57% |
Appointment to City Council
After 1st ward alderman Manny Flores was appointed by then Gov. Pat Quinn to lead the Illinois Commerce Commission, Chicago Mayor Richard Daley appointed Moreno to fill the rest of his term as alderman in March 2010.
2011 1st Ward Alderman Election
| Candidate | Votes | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Proco "Joe" Moreno | 7243 | 73.56% |
| Ronald J. Baltierra | 457 | 4.64% |
| Deborah Lopez | 2147 | 21.80% |
Moreno won his first full term in the February 22, 2011 Chicago municipal elections, after receiving the endorsements of the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times. It was during this term that Moreno attempted to block a Chick-fil-a chicken restaurant from being built in his ward due to the company's political views. Moreno demanded the company change its discriminatory policies while critics questioned his commitment to free speech, religious liberties and the first amendment.
2015 1st Ward Alderman Election
| Candidate | Votes | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Proco "Joe" Moreno | 4205 | 51.08% |
| Anne Shaw | 2037 | 24.74% |
| Ronda Locke | 1680 | 20.41% |
| Andrew Hamilton | 310 | 3.77% |
Moreno's bid for a second full term proved to be a greater challenge than his first, as he drew three challengers: Anne Shaw, an attorney; Andrew Hamilton, also an attorney; and Ronda Locke, a former staffer to the Alderman. Moreno won the election with over 51% overall vote.
Chick-fil-A and gay marriage
In July 2012, Moreno said he denied the fast-food chain Chick-fil-A a permit to open a restaurant on North Elston Avenue. His stated reason was because the company's president held different beliefs on gay marriage (opposition) than Moreno. In September of that year, Moreno said he spoke to Chick-fil-A executives and that they told him they would distribute a "statement of tolerance" to their employees and operators.
After speaking with the executives, Moreno said he would allow Chick-fil-A to open the restaurant. Later in October, Moreno again said he would block the permit after saying he heard the company president stay on cable TV that the company's policies on gay marriage have not changed.