Richard M. Daley is a former mayor of Chicago. Daley was elected mayor in 1989 and reelected in 1991, 1995, 1999, 2003, and 2007. At 22 years, he was the longest-serving Chicago mayor, surpassing the tenure of his father, Richard J. Daley. In 1997, Daley was named Municipal Leader of the Year by American City and County magazine; a Public Official of the Year by Governing magazine; and Politician of the Year by Library Journal. In 1995, Daley assumed control of Chicago’s public schools system from the elected school board. School standards are said to have risen under the reforms instituted by Daley and education has also been expanded for early years pupils. In 1996, he headed the US Conference of Mayors. Prior to serving as mayor, Daley served in the Illinois Senate (D) and then as Cook County state’s attorney.