Alderman wants car to have clout (Diplomat plates, Chicago-style )

A South Side alderman has introduced legislation to create "official placards" that Chicago's 50 aldermen could place on their vehicle dashboards, but she emphasized it wouldn't be to avoid parking tickets.

The proposal from Ald. Lona Lane (18th) comes amid a citywide furor over controversial parking meter changes and following two Tribune stories questioning the use of special vehicle privileges by aides to aldermen.

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