Confirmation vote for new 11th Ward alderman delayed, after Mayor Lightfoot says 'a bit more time is needed' to make appointment
CHICAGO (CBS)-- Chicago will have to wait a bit longer to find out who the next 11th Ward alderman will be.
The seat has been vacant since former Ald. Patrick Daley Thompson resigned last month, following his conviction on fraud and tax charges.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot had previously said she wanted to appoint a new alderman for the 11th Ward in time for the City Council to confirm her choice at its meeting on Wednesday, and the City Council Rules Committee had scheduled a confirmation hearing for Tuesday afternoon.
A total of 27 people have applied for the seat, and Lightfoot's office posted the names and resumes of each applicant on the city's website last week. A selection committee was then tasked with reviewing those applications.
But on Tuesday night, Lightfoot's office said she needed more time to make her choice for the seat.
"Mayor Lightfoot is committed to finding a qualified candidate to become the next Alderman of the 11th Ward. And so, a bit more time is needed to ensure that the residents of the 11th Ward have the best representation possible," a Lightfoot spokesperson said in an statement.
Lightfoot has until April 17 to appoint a new 11th Ward alderman. Her choice must be confirmed by the City Council, and the new alderman will serve until the next city election in 2023.
