Appointed to the City Council in 1996 when the former 25th Ward alderman, Ambrosio Medrano, pleaded guilty to corruption charges, Solis’ role as chairman of the City Council Zoning Committee gave him access to hungry, accommodating developers. Solis traded favors with those seeking his help at City Hall, the affidavit alleges. He threw a lavish party for his son at the Indiana farm formerly owned by Oprah Winfrey, but at the time owned by a real estate magnate who routinely had business before Solis’ committee. Solis also hit up developers for Viagra pills and joined at least one real estate friend at a massage parlor thought to engage in prostitution, the court filings allege.