He became a teacher at Ridgewood High School in suburban Norridge before becoming an aide to Congressman Dan Rostenkowski.
Rostenowski later backed him for an appointment to Alderman for the 32nd ward after Robert Sulski became a judge on the Circuit Court of Cook County.
[2] During the Council Wars he sided with the all-white Vrdolyak 29 in opposition of Mayor Harold Washington.
[3][4] Gabinski was elected Vice Mayor by the Chicago City Council after they voted to oust David Orr over his attempts to make reforms that would have held the council's committees more accountable for the budgets they manage.
[5] In 2008, he stepped down as Democratic Committeeman allowing his almost opponent in 2004, John Fritchey, to run with token opposition.