 Helen Shiller ( born 1947 ) is a former Alderman of the 46th ward in Chicago , Illinois . She served in the Chicago City Council for six four @-@ year terms , from 1987 to 2011 . Shiller was elected to the City Council on her third attempt , as Harold Washington , Chicago 's first black Mayor , was re @-@ elected to his second term , and her election as alderman helped close the Council Wars era in Chicago government . Shiller has been described as " committed to liberal causes " appropriate for the lakefront district she represents . Among her most significant impacts on Chicago were her advocacy for diverse , inclusive , affordable housing and helping craft Chicago 's response to the HIV / AIDS crisis . Her commitment to fostering community development without displacement often brought Shiller into contention with some constituencies , real estate developers , and editorial boards . Shiller 's oral history was collected by Pulitzer Prize @-@ winning author and Uptown resident , the late Studs Terkel , in his 2003 book , Hope Dies Last . 
