Career
He was known as a corrupt, controversial and colorful Chicago political boss and is famous for the quote, "Chicago ain"t ready for reform yet", or "Chicago ain"t ready for a reform mayor" which he exclaimed many times over while dancing a jig in his saloon upon the news of Richard J. Daley"s first election as mayor of Chicago in 1955. Mayor Daley banned Bauler from attending public functions for a time shortly after the quote was published. He was the brother of John Bauler.
Paddy operated a speakeasy at Willow and Howe streets during prohibition and once prohibition was repealed became the first person to obtain a liquor license in Chicago.
Bauler was known as a corrupt politician, and against reform. He has been quoted as saying that one reformer was " so dumb he probably thinks the forest preserve is some kind of jelly."
His two story political office on North Avenue. and Sedgwick avenues, was also a saloon called De Luxe Gardens.
Bauler once shot two Chicago police officers (non-lethally) and was cleared from any wrongdoing. Mayor Kelly was quoted as saying that Bauler "Was a real straight-shooter".
He had been accused of being a "..political power that protects graft, gambling, vice and other lawlessness.."
The character of the corrupt alderman John O"Shea from the 1987 film, The Untouchables, was partly modeled after Bauler.
Bauler Park in Old Town is named after him.