Nick Blase

A chronicle of the life and career of notorious Niles, Illinois mayor Nick Blase.

Nick Blase ruled the Chicago suburb of Niles for almost half a century, defeating every challenger and even facing down legendary Chicago mayor Richard J. Daley on occasion. Ultimately, Blase, the longest-sitting mayor in the country, resigned from office following an arrest on federal corruption charges the morning of his seventy-eighth birthday. He pled guilty and was sentenced to a year and a day in prison. Despite the cloud over his tenure, there is no doubt Blase made a huge impact on the sleepy suburb, turning the postwar bedroom community into an economic powerhouse that ranked with the largest cities in the state. After exhaustive research and hours of personal interviews, Andrew Schneider has put together a fascinating portrait of Blase's political career.

Preface. The Village of Niles	p. 9
Acknowledgements	p. 13
The Arrest	p. 15
Blase is arrested on his seventy-eighth birthday and accused of taking kickbacks in exchange for steering insurance business to a friend's company. He has been mayor of Niles for forty-five years and vows to fight the charges.
The Various Types of Governments and the Ways By Which They Are Established	p. 27
The Election of 1961: Blase's rise to power. He toppled an incumbent mayor of twenty years and brought almost an entire slate with him, riding largely on accusations that this old guard was on the take in new developments and the proliferation of gambling in town.
Of the Civic Principality	p. 43
The organization of Niles' government in those early years. Blase was a strong mayor, and the hiring of a city manager (they called him the "village manager") wasn't by law and he could be dismissed at any time.
Of Mixed Principalities	p. 61
The election of 1963 brings a final end to the old regime and hopes that they will ever retake power.
How a Prince Must Act in Order to Gain Reputation	p. 69
In 1965, Niles won a contest sponsored by Look Magazine that declared it an "All-America City." It specifically cited the elimination of gambling and the professional organization of the village. Blase would say that this distinction led him to victory in crucial reelection campaigns and served as a shorthand for voters: Nick Blasé=All-America City.
The Different Kinds of Militia and Mercenary Soldiers	p. 79
Blase decides in 1966 to take over the local Democratic organization (Maine Township Regular Democratic Organization) by running for committeeman, feeling that it will provide a needed base to continue in his role as Niles' mayor without the creation of ad hoc organizations every two-four years. He's also looking ahead to offices above his own.
The Duties of a Prince with Regard to the Militia	p. 89
Blase fights with Daley and deals with influxes of Chicago residents looking for patronage jobs in exchange for their precinct work Blase has few patronage jobs, so lie attempts to find other motivations for his workers. Squares off against Daley in various local issues.
Of Liberality and Niggardliness	p. 95
Funding the Maine Township Democrats. Blase creates an "ad book." How much money he raises year to year and where it goes. What it takes to run a local campaign.
Concerning Governing	p. 101
Blase eliminates one of his most stubborn opponents and names the "New Era" trustee Ken Scheel the village manager.
Of New Dominions Acquired By the Power of Others or by Fortune	p. 105
Blase reflects on unsuccessful attempts to take over Maine Township's government.
Concerning Mercenaries, Auxiliaries and One's Own	p. 109
Blase at the Democratic Convention of 1968
Of the Secretaries of Princes	p. 113
The Niles village clerk, originally a Blase appointee, forms a slate to oppose Blase with incumbent trustees and other officials running against the mayor who appointed them. Blase and his organization crush them all. Blase and board vote to eliminate the elected clerk, instead making the position an appointment and essentially turning the position into the mayor's own secretary. Something that will have consequences in future years
The Things for Which Princes are Praised or Blamed	p. 125
Blase goes against the grain, tells constituents that the first black family to move into Niles has a right to be there. Pushes new Oak Park-style initiatives to ensure property values and prevent block busting
That Which Concerns a Prince on the Art of War	p. 131
Blase and his relationship with the press-illustrated by a memorable incident
Of Failure	p. 133
Blase ran for Congress against Abner Mikva in 1971 and was defeated by a large margin. What lie learned and the decision thereafter to stay close to home in elections
In What Ways Princes Must Keep Faith	p. 145
Blase leads coalition of municipalities in fight against Chicago water rates and paying for Chicago's water delivery infrastructure and with Daley over the leadership of the Cook County Democratic Party
Of Cruelty and Clemency, and Whether It Is Better to Be Loved or Feared	p. 151
In 1991, two local women decide to run against a Blase-appointed slate of five men. Two women with no political experience appear on the ballot, and Blase even gets them kicked off the ballot. They're never heard of again in local politics.
Of New Dominions Which Have Been Acquired By One's Own Arms and Ability	p. 161
Citing mismanagement and duplication of services, Blase and the village attempt to seize control of the Niles Park District by referenda. They succeed at the ballot box, but a subsequent judicial ruling keeps the parks out of their hands.
That We Must Avoid Being Despised and Hated	p. 171
Blase and his party crush their opponents in the municipal elections of 2005, but the same names appear on a slate backed by the mayor two years later.
How Much Fortune Can Do in Human Affairs	p. 179
The first real opposition in a decade to a board action appears when Blase attempts to bring an off-track gambling parlor to Niles. He wins and wins. This chapter also includes the immediate repercussions of Blase's arrest in 2006.
How Flatterers Must Be Shunned	p. 193
In 2007, a year after the mayor's arrest in corruption charges, the local trustees are up for reelection. No opposition materializes, and Blase's candidates win again.
Concerning Hereditary Principalities	p. 201
Blase resigns his post as mayor in 2008, surrenders his law license and pleads guilty to tax evasion and mail fraud. A sentencing hearing is set. Blase continues to involve himself in heal politics. The candidates he endorses win and win big despite several scandals between his resignation and election.
Why The Kingdom Of Darius Did Not Rebel Against the Successors of Its Conqueror After His Death	p. 211
Why Blase continued to be a force in his community after his resignation-his chosen successor coasts to victory over three opponents, nearly winning a plurality.
One Thousand Years of Nick Blase	p. 217
Blase is sentenced on January 29, 2010, to a year and a day in prison and pays out $1.1million in restitution, fines and back taxes.
Epilogue. Judgment at Niles	p. 227
The Niles Village attorney and independent counsel conduct an inquiry to determine whether any Niles employees helped Nick Blase in his scheme.
A Blase Timeline	p. 235
Year-by-year breakdown of Blase's life and history in Niles.
Niles' Political History Through Nick Blase's Party Names	p. 241
From the "New Era Party" to the "Continuing Economic Stability Party," Biase's party moves from the revolutionary to the establishment.
Notes	p. 243
Index	p. 251
About the Author	p. 255
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.

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