[7] As an alderman, Arena was noted as an advocate for developing affordable housing, even in communities where local residents opposed it.

[8] When public safety officials opposed his development plans on social media, Arena had the Anti Defamation League crosscheck their names with city employee databases.

He then filed complaints with their respective departments accusing them of making "racially charged" comments.

[10] Arena was also noted as one of the council's most vocal opponents to mayor Rahm Emanuel.

These claims may have led to Arena resigning from his job in the city's Planning Department the following month.