Ald. Jim Gardiner (45th) looks on during discussions surrounding the creation of a civilian commission overseeing the Chicago Police Department during a City Council meeting on July 21, 2021. [Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago]

This article was first published in Block Club Chicago.

Text messages between Ald. Jim Gardiner (45) and a former aide show the Northwest Side leader blasting his critics and political opponents — and punishing an employee for helping a constituent who voted against him.