[citation needed] Currently, Allen is active in several community organizations: the Portage Park Advisory Board, the Irving Park YMCA, the Sunshine Activity Center for Mentally Handicapped, and the Polish American Police Association.
Allen was appointed Alderman in 1993 by Mayor Richard M. Daley to complete the term of Thomas Cullerton, who died in office after a long illness.
To combat this, Allen created a task force to identify, investigate, and close illegal rooming houses.
[citation needed] In 2008, Allen unsuccessfully sought the Democratic nomination in the election for Cook County State's Attorney.
[3] After Allen resigned from the City Council to assume his judgeship, Mayor Daley appointed his brother-in-law Timothy Cullerton to succeed him.