What Is an Alder?

by Daniel Li, age 16

The role of an alderman varies significantly depending on the governmental context. Historically, in Anglo-Saxon England, aldermen were high-ranking officials who often presided over shires. The term "alderman" originates from the Old English "ealdorman," meaning "elder man" or "older man."

In the United States, the term "alderman" is less common compared to titles like "councilman" or "council member," but at their core, they are equivalent. However, some municipalities still use the term. Chicago’s City Council, for instance, comprises 50 elected aldermen, each representing a district or ward. These aldermen serve under the city's mayor and are responsible for representing their constituents' interests at the city or county level. Similar to congressmen, aldermen are elected by district residents and strive to advocate for their community's needs. In some instances, a district may have multiple aldermen.

In Madison, the city is divided into 20 districts, each represented by one alderman. These districts are carefully drawn to ensure balanced representation across the city, considering population and community interests. Madison's alders serve on the Common Council, working alongside the mayor to address citywide issues and local concerns within their districts.

Aldermen's responsibilities are extensive. They typically participate in regular meetings with other council members, which can occur monthly, bimonthly, or weekly, depending on the municipality. Aldermen also play crucial roles during emergencies, addressing issues pertinent to their districts. Their meetings follow a preset agenda, often made public beforehand, allowing for transparency and community participation. However, they are also prepared to tackle unforeseen matters as they arise.

In addition to their council duties, aldermen frequently serve on committees that manage significant projects. Their work often involves researching related issues, consulting with representatives from other cities that have undertaken similar initiatives, and engaging with residents to address potential impacts, such as those from new construction projects.

The role of an alderman in the United States can range from a part-time position with modest compensation to a full-time job with substantial earnings. Salaries can vary widely, from less than $10,000 per year to as much as $100,000, depending on the city and the scope of responsibilities. Eligibility for candidacy is generally broad such as residency, although certain disqualifications, like felony convictions, can prevent individuals from running. District-specific rules, often established by a board of elections or an electoral commission, ensure candidates meet integrity standards and avoid conflicts of interest.

Balancing the demands of being an alderman with other personal and professional responsibilities is a common challenge because aldermen is only a part-time position. Despite the absence of a mandated number of service hours, it is not uncommon for aldermen to dedicate over 20 hours per week to their duties, with the expectation of being available around the clock for urgent matters.

[Sources: Britannica; City of Madison; How Stuff Works; State of Wisconsin]