 Criticism of Shiller in the 2007 election largely focused on the lack of communication with ward residents , failure to obtain input from residents for zoning changes in the ward , her lack of involvement in community policing meetings , and the many years of blighted retail in the ward . Some critics charged that Shiller was frustrating developers while using the Wilson Yard project to maintain her political base . In 2007 , Shiller defeated social worker James Cappleman with 53 % of the vote . In October , 2007 , Shiller became chair of the City Council 's Human Relations Committee . In 2009 , Shiller was criticized by Uptown residents for her perceived lack of engagement in address crime in the neighborhood , including a string of violent robberies in nearby Lakeview that attracted the attention of the Chicago Tribune , Chicago Sun @-@ Times , and local TV news . Police interviewed said interventions from Shiller and her staff facilitated the protection of gang members from policing <unk> ty , allegedly for gaining voter base , according to a report in Chicago Magazine . 
