21st Ward: Ald. Howard Brookins Jr. earned previous Tribune endorsements for alderman and a U.S. House seat because he had worked effectively for the residents of this South Side ward. Especially noteworthy: his push, over union objections, for the opening of a Walmart. But Brookins also has given us reasons to rethink our support. In 2014 his former chief of staff pleaded guilty to accepting a bribe from a developer. In 2016, Brookins stood with now-disgraced Ald. Edward Burke in opposing an ordinance that would have strengthened the City Hall inspector general’s oversight of aldermanic programs such as Burke’s $100 million-a-year disability fiefdom. Brookins tells us he now sees that vote as a mistake. He says he favors anti-corruption measures such as setting clearer rules for aldermen’s outside employment. A culture change, however, also requires some new faces. Marvin McNeil, a retired zoning official, is brimming with energy and ideas. He knows city government and his ward, which he notes has 400 blocks (he’s counted). Sidewalks need repair, he said. Street lighting needs improvement. McNeil wants to advocate for affordable housing. Longtime aldermen operate with a sense of entitlement, McNeil says. He promises to come into office “raising hell,” serve two terms and then depart. Also running are Joseph C. Ziegler Jr. and Patricia A. Foster. McNeil is endorsed.