Two Chicago aldermen stepping down

The Chicago City Council's two longest-serving women are stepping down.

Aldermen Helen Shiller and Mary Ann Smith of the city's North Side have announced they will not be on the February ballot.

Shiller, who was first elected in 1987, says she has accomplished what she'd hoped to. She says she thinks she can be a better advocate for housing issues and economic opportunities if she doesn't have to run a ward office.

Smith joined the council in 1989 when she was appointed by Mayor Richard Daley. She says she plans to devote more time to water quality issues once she leaves office.