City Looks Online for New Aldermen

Daley hangs help wanted sign on
the Internet

Published : Thursday, 18 Feb 2010, 8:52 AM CST  Tera Williams, FOX Chicago News
Want to make $110,000 a year and have the power to make big decisions for the City of Chicago? Mayor Daley is looking for two new Aldermen and for the first time ever he has posted the job vacancies online and opened the application process to everyone.
The job ad was posted on the city’s homepage .

Jimmy Wilson may only be a senior in high school, but the 19-year-old was at City Hall on Thursday filling out an application to be Chicago’s next 29th Ward Alderman. “I used to work for Alderman Ed Smith and I took notes so I believe I can handle it,” Wilson said. Daley said he posted the openings on the city’s website to get as many applicants as possible for the two aldermanic vacancies. Manny Flores left the 1st Ward to become the new Illinois Commerce Commission Chairman and Ike Carothers recently resigned from the 29th ward after being convicted of taking bribes. When faced with vacancies in the past, Daley received recommendations and appointed someone to the open position.
Daley’s office would not tell us how many applications have been submitted so far. Alderman Ed Smith, 28th ward, said he backs the Mayor on this decision but hopes the people applying are truly qualified. “It was kind of surprising because that was a process that has been enforced for years and years and to go outside that process is different,” said Smith. Jimmy Wilson is excited about the new application process. It is his dream to be a Chicago Alderman and eventually mayor. “I believe that if you have the desire and the fire to do it, why not go for it,” he said.
If you want to apply, you don’t have a lot of time. Applications must include a cover letter, a resume and three letters of recommendation. They are due at City Hall by the end of business on Friday. You must be a registered voter and a resident of the 1st or 29th Wards in order to apply for the open positions.

http://www.myfoxchicago.com/dpp/news/metro/city-hiring-aldemen