On April 11, the Democratic Committeemen who serve in Commissioner Quigley's 10th district will meet to appoint a replacement to what will be presumably Congressman Mike Quigley. As a Committeeman who has a small percentage of the 10th District I have a small portion of the weighted vote, (less than 3% while other have roughly 20%).
There is a large number of people who have expressed an interest in being appointed to the seat. Many of them have contacted me. I have not made a decision yet but I am particularly impressed by one of the candidates. That being said, I will not be casting a vote until I have heard from all of the candidates. That will probably not occur until April 11 when all of the candidates will be presenting themselves to the committeemen/women of the district.
The last time an appointment decision presented itself, I took a hard line and refused to vote on an successor/appointment, instead opting for those who sought the office to run in a \n election for the office. Senator Heather Steans eventually won and is our elected representative because of that. Unfortunately, an election is not an option in this instance. Vital decisions are being decided at every meeting of the Cook County Board of Commissioners board meetings. Keeping the seat vacant for even one meeting, let alone many could significantly impact the entire population of the county since so many votes are made with one vote margins.
The official process based on the current Cook County ordinance is:
"The Democratic Cook County Board District Committee for the 10th District of the Cook County Board of Commissioners will meet on:
Saturday, April 11, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.
Truman College
1145 W. Wilson
Chicago, IL, 60640
for the purpose of organizing and appointing a person to fill a vacancy in office caused by the anticipated resignation of Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley."
Any person interested in filling Commissioner Quigley's seat on the County Board will give a presentation to the Committeeman and answer their questions. This meeting is open to the public. You are not only allowed to attend, but I encourage you to attend. This is a public meeting.
To be a candidate you must apply:
If you are interested in applying, you must follow this process: "Any person interested in appearing before the Committee to be considered for appointment must submit: (1) a current resume; and (2) a completed Statement of Economic Interests form. The Statement of Economic Interests form is available at the office of the Cook County Clerk, 69 W. Washington, Suite 500, Chicago, IL, Zip Code 60602, or through the Clerk's website: http://www.voterinfonet.com/sub/disclosures.asp.
There is a deadline for submitting the information to be considered by the Committeemen: "Submissions must be made to the office of the Cook County Democratic Party, 134 N. LaSalle, Suite 1420, Chicago, IL 60602 no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2009."
You will not be considered if you do not apply.
Pre-appointment Candidates Forum
Independent Voters of Illinois – Independent Precinct Organization and
Northside Democracy for America is presenting a Candidates Forum for candidates seeking the seat.
The IVI-IPO and NDFA are inviting the public to attend a forum on Saturday, April 4th for candidates to replace Mike Quigley on the Cook County Board should he be elected to Congress in the April 7th General Election.
All candidates that they are aware of who are under consideration for this position are invited. If you are a candidate or know a candidate who is being considered who has not been invited, please contact IVI-IPO by calling 312-939-5105 or emailing iviipo@yahoo.com. In order to participate, a candidate must complete a questionnaire on Cook County Issues. Questionnaires are available at www.iviipo.org and must be submitted by March 31st.
At this forum candidates will give a brief opening statement, and then participate in a moderated question and answer session. At the forum the IVI-IPO and NDFA will have copies of the candidates completed questionnaires available. This forum is open to the public, and comment cards to those who attend so they can express their views on this very important decision. The comment cards will be forwarded to the Committeemen/women for their consideration.
This event will be an opportunity for you to see the candidates in action, to better understand their views on important issues and it will give you an opportunity to email/call me to express your views.
COOK COUNTY CANDIDATES FORUM
Saturday, April 4, 1:00 p.m.
Truman College
Co-Sponsored by IVI-IPO and Northside DFA
I can be reach at davidfagus@49thward.com or (773) 973-4949.
