Preckwinkle Launches Website With Link For County Jobs
CHICAGO (CBS) - The first woman to head the Cook County Board isn't even in the office yet, but she's already making waves.
Just hours after her victory, President-elect Toni Preckwinkle launched a new website that includes a link for jobs. And as CBS 2's Dorothy Tucker reports she's warning county employees not to slack off if they want to keep theirs.
"The party's over," said Preckwinkle.
Three simple words uttered by the new President of the Cook County Board, meant to send a strong message to the 22,000 county employees.
"They should understand that going forward there's going to be an expectation that they perform in return for a paycheck, and if they don't we will do everything we can to get rid them," said Preckwinkle.
To replace those who might be forced to leave and those looking for a new position with the county, on Wednesday morning, President-elect Toni Preckwinkle launched a website that includes a link for jobs: CookCountyTransition.com.
"We're looking for qualified people across the county and we're casting the net as far as we can," said Preckwinkle.
Campaign workers admit there won't be as many jobs available under Preckwinkle as there were with past administrations. Preckwinkle promises to reduce the number of mid and top managers to save money.
Still, she'll need to replace 300 or 400 people who are expected to leave with the old administration.
"For example, there's directors and deputy directors, senior positions, policy positions that require an understanding of the issues," said John Keller, Preckwinkle's Campaign Director.
Preckwinkle and her new managers take over December 6.
While some county employees weren't willing to talk, others admit workers expect big changes.
"There are people already packing their bags," said a worker named Tony, who declined to give his last name.
CookCountyTransition.com also includes a feature that allows the public to leave comments on how they'd like to improve county government.
