Aviation official resigns amid power struggle

(Crain's) — Embattled city Aviation Department official David Ochal resigned Friday, just days after drawing public criticism for allegedly using clout to provide electricity to his home when his Northwest Side neighborhood lost power in Monday night’s storm.

The Department of Aviation issued a news release stating that Mr. Ochal, who was first deputy commissioner, has left the department after eight years.

Mr. Ochal was the subject of a Chicago Tribune column by John Kass, who claimed he used his position to get Commonwealth Edison Co. to deliver a power generator to his home on Wednesday while his neighbors were still in the dark.

Mr. Ochal was also scrutinized in 2000 for having a backyard pool installed without obtaining proper city permits. Mayor Richard M. Daley's administration claimed Mr. Ochal did no wrong.