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On the same day that Al Sanchez was indicted for mail fraud related to city patronage, some Chicago aldermen were griping about the Shakman case.
Chicago aldermen were grumbling Thursday about a settlement in the long-running Shakman case amid concern about how a federal hiring monitor will dole out $12 million to political hiring victims and how new rules will ensure work force diversity.
It’s not just the fact that monitor Noelle Brennan would become a fixture at City Hall — at least for the next 21 months. She would help draft a “color-blind” hiring system and have absolute power to pass judgment on political hiring claims and determine compensation for them, according to aldermen who must approve the settlement. […]
Ald. Pat O’Connor (40th) wondered how Brennan will respond to claims filed by Democratic precinct workers denied jobs and promotions in favor of foot soldiers for the Hispanic Democratic Organization. […]
For months, aldermen have accused Brennan of invading their turf, railing about her $1.65 million in legal fees, her ever-expanding role in city hiring and the effect those controls have had on their ability to deliver neighborhood services and get their people placed in top jobs. […]
“When it’s driven by a federal judge, people understand we want to get it resolved and get it behind us. But you may have a lot of disgruntled ‘yes’ votes — people voting ‘yes’ under duress,” said Ald. Isaac Carothers (29th), vice chairman of the City Council’s Black Caucus.
Timing is everything.
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Mar 23, 07 @ 8:39 am
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Daly should have said all along it’s my right to hire. Not the judicial or Legislative branches. Now Ms. Brennan has racked up 1.65 million in legal fees. Who does one have to know to get that job!
Comment by chalkline Friday, Mar 23, 07 @ 9:08 am
She wouldn’t have had to rack up those fees if the city had just been following the decree. I don’t know why Daley would justify fighting it.
Comment by Levois Friday, Mar 23, 07 @ 9:40 am
1.65 MILLION!?!?! Maybe the alderman are just recognizing what they see in the mirror every morning.
Comment by Bubs Friday, Mar 23, 07 @ 11:30 am
This monitor was appointed in early August 2005, or just over one and one half years ago. That figure works out to something like $4000 per weekday since appointment. Every single day. Or just over $1 million per year.
YIKES!!
Comment by Bubs Friday, Mar 23, 07 @ 11:42 am
You left out the best quotes:
“I don’t think one individual should have total autonomy to dole out $12 million,” said Ald. Carrie Austin (34th).
“…One person with too much power is not a good thing,” said Ald. Tom Allen (38th).
Unless, of course, said person’s name is Richard M. Daley. After all, Hizzoner knows best how to spend hundreds of millions in TIF funds every year–and how to bring the Olympics to Chicago using “no public money”!
I’m not sure to laugh or cry when I see aldermen acknowledge their own irrelevance without even picking up on the irony.
Comment by councilwatcher Friday, Mar 23, 07 @ 1:09 pm
I was disappointed that no state officials received indictments.
Comment by i d Friday, Mar 23, 07 @ 1:27 pm
Ms Brennan is not making all that lovely money just by herself. It is for her firm. She has other attorneys working for her. She has a support staff also.
As for the aldermen and Mayor whining. Too bad.
Obey the freaking court decree. If you don’t like it work to change it…….not break it.
It is like city employees who take the job and then whine about the residency rule………you knew what you were getting into.
Comment by irishpirate Friday, Mar 23, 07 @ 4:29 pm
The Noelle Brennan thing is a clueless bad arrangement. The Aldermen will do what they are told.
Comment by Susan Friday, Mar 23, 07 @ 10:02 pm