A Chicago ordinance banning the use of hand-held cellular phones in vehicles has bitten one of its creators. Ald. Thomas Tunney (44th) acknowledged Monday that he was ticketed last week in his North Side ward as he was conducting city-related business on the phone while he drove.
“It was what it was,” said Tunney, who was among supporters of the ban when it was approved by the City Council in 2005. “Of course, I am embarrassed by it.”
At the same time he questioned police priorities in going after traffic offenses when there is violent crime on city streets.
“We have time in the middle of the day to pull over a person for use of a cell,” Tunney said. “I will probably frame [the ticket] to let my constituents know that [police] actually do stop people.”
Tunney said he has paid his $50 fine and is contemplating getting “a better headset when I am driving because I made a mistake.”
