Taboo Tabou Owner Announces Run Against Tunney for Alderman

Mark Thomas, the owner of The Alley and Taboo Tabou in Lake View, announced Monday he plans to run for alderman of the 44th ward in 2015.

Thomas and his supporters plan to gather at 3222 N. Clark St. on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. to officially announce his candidacy, with his tagline reading, “I believe in a community designed by you.” 

That’s why his campaign launched a new social media democracy website, www.WeThePeople44.org, a way for registered voters and area business owners to discuss local issues in Lake View.

"I want them to be part of my decision-making process," he told DNAinfo Chicago. "I’m calling it hyperlocal democracy. I think that’s what makes me really different from everyone else in the office."

Thomas has owned the alternative and lingerie sex shops in Lake View since the 1980s, located at 3228 N. Clark St. and 854 W. Belmont Ave. They join his other ventures like Blue Havana and Architectural Revolution.

But he doesn’t consider the area taboo businesses an issue with his bid, saying Lake View itself is an “edgy community.”

Ald. Tom Tunney, the 44th ward’s current representative, declined to comment on Thomas’ announcement and his decision whether he plans to run again. Tunney took office as alderman in 2003, winning two consecutive reelections in 2007 and 20011. 

As for their relationship, Thomas says he and Tunney had disagreements over area sewer main construction, and they butted heads when Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney Sarah Naughton was accused of biting one of Thomas’ employees at Taboo Tabou, DNAinfo writes. But he says his candidacy is beyond his relationship with Tunney.

Thomas will be joined Tuesday evening by Lake View resident Blair Westover, Philly’s Best owner Mike Markellos and Pon Angara, Principal of Barkada Creative and member of the Board of Directors of Local First Chicago.