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* Mark Brown…

A group of Democratic ward committeemen set aside questions of nepotism, residency and turf Friday to choose Ald. Walter Burnett’s son as the newest state representative on the city’s West Side.

Jawaharial “Omar” Williams, 44, a laborer in the city’s Department of Water Management, was selected over seven other candidates vying to occupy the Illinois House 10th District.

The vacancy was created by the election of Rep. Melissa Conyears-Ervin to the post of city treasurer.

Conyears-Ervin is married to Ald. Jason Ervin, the 28th Ward alderman and Democratic committeeman, who objected to Williams’ selection and tried to advance a “placeholder” candidate who would not run for re-election next year.

…Adding… A follow-up story that focuses on the nepotism of Chicago politics and Williams’ appointment ends this way…

Among the other candidates who presented their credentials Friday, probably the most prominent was WVON radio host Maze Jackson, best known for his catchphrase: “What’s in it for the black people?”

Jackson, a veteran political strategist and lobbyist who like Burnett got his start in White’s organization, said he plans to be a candidate for the seat next year, and if elected, intends to continue hosting his radio show.

That would be different.

Jackson, by the way, is married to Metropolitan Water Reclamation Commissioner President Kari Steele. She is the daughter of former 6th Ward alderman and state appellate court justice John Steele.