“The Chicagoans serving on this committee represent a cross-section of the many families, faiths, businesses, and workers that make up the 23rd Ward community,” said Mayor Emanuel. “I look forward to reviewing the committee’s recommendations and ensuring the 23rd ward will continue to enjoy strong representation in the City Council.”

The committee members include:

• Al Cacciottolo, 23rd Ward Superintendent
• Alejandrina Cerna, owner and lead teacher at My Zmall World Childcare Center
• Alderman Michelle Harris, Chair of the Committee on Committees, Rules and Ethics
• Father John Noga, Pastor of St. Daniel the Prophet Church
• James Sweeney, President of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150

Mayor Emanuel will charge the committee with narrowing eligible candidates to a small group of applicants that he will interview himself before making a final decision.

Mayor Emanuel expects the final candidate will be recommended to the City Council prior to the June 27th meeting.

BACKGROUND:

• Applications will be accepted online at http://www.cityofchicago.org/ward23vacancy starting Friday, April 27th at 9:00am until Friday, May 4th at 5:00pm.
• Alderman Michael Zalewski’s resignation takes effect on June 1st.
• Mayor Emanuel has 60 days from the date of the vacancy to appoint a replacement.
• Applicants will be able to apply for the seat by submitting the required information via the City's website.

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Al Cacciottolo, 23rd Ward Superintendent
Al Cacciottolo is a Garfield Ridge resident, local business owner and 23rd Ward Superintendent. Mr. Cacciottolo is also president of the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch, Board Director of the Garfield Ridge Chamber of Commerce, member of the United Business Association of Midway, and graduate of Curie Metropolitan High School and the University of Illinois-Chicago.

Alejandrina Cerna, Owner and Lead Teacher at My Zmall World Childcare Center
Alejandrina Cerna is a Garfield Ridge resident, owner of and lead teacher at My Zmall World Childcare Center, and member of the Garfield Ridge Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Cerna is also a social worker, with a degree in early childhood education. She is a graduate of Benito Juarez High School and St. Augustine College.

Alderman Michelle Harris, Chair of the Committee on Committees, Rules and Ethics
Alderman Michelle Harris serves as Chair of the Committee on Committees, Rules and Ethics, the committee of the whole which considers mayoral recommendations for aldermanic appointments. She has a long-standing history of community involvement, stemming from the influence of her parents, who were stewards of their neighborhood. She has been Alderman of the 8th ward since 2006. Prior to that, she served in a variety of public service positions, including as an aldermanic chief of staff and Streets and Sanitation Ward Superintendent. She is known for her long experience in effectively delivering constituent services and understanding community needs.

Father John Noga, Pastor of St. Daniel the Prophet Church
Father John Noga is pastor of St. Daniel the Prophet Church in Garfield Ridge, where he has served for the past 11 years. A former attorney, Father Noga has been a priest with the Archdiocese of Chicago for twenty years. Father Noga is a graduate of Loyola University Chicago, Loyola University Chicago School of Law, Northwestern Kellogg School of Management, and the University of Saint Mary of the Lake Seminary.

James Sweeney, President of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150
James Sweeney is President-Business Manager of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150, a role he has served in since 2008. A second-generation member of Local 150, Mr. Sweeney joined the union in 1978. He is a life-long resident of Garfield Ridge and a very active community member over the years. He is active with the Clear Ridge Social Athletic Club and helps organize the annual Archer Avenue St. Patrick’s Day Parade. He currently serves as a member of the Executive Board of the Chicago Federation of Labor, and previously served as a member of the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority Board of Directors.

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