John Rice (alderman)
John Rice was alderman of the City of Chicago representing the 36th ward on the City's far northwest side from 2009 to 2011.
Political career
Rice is a member of the 36th Ward Regular Democratic Organization, one of Alderman William Banks' (36th) political action committees.[1]
Career in Government
Rice worked for the Cook County Highway Department from 1991 to 1997.[1] Rice has worked for the City of Chicago since October 1, 1997.[2] Rice worked as a city zoning inspector from 1997 to 2005.[1] Rice was a long-time employee of the Chicago City Council with a title of "Assistant to the Alderman,"[2] working as a driver to Banks.[1][3]
Appointment to City Council
In late April, 2009, Banks announced his intention to retire from City Council. Banks asked Mayor Richard M. Daley to appoint Rice as his replacement.[4]
Rice organizes retirement party for Banks
Also while Rice was under consideration by Daley for appointment as alderman, Rice organized a $200-a-ticket retirement party for Banks at a Rosemont restaurant. Rice sent out invitations instructing those purchasing tickets to "make checks payable to William J. P. Banks (Memo -- Retirement Party)" and mail the checks to Rice's house.[5][6][7][8][9][10] Days after a report in the Chicago Tribune, the party was cancelled.[11][12][13]
Appointment, confirmation, and swearing-in
Daley announced the appointment of Rice, then 41, as the new 36th Ward alderman on Tuesday, October 6, 2009.[1][14][15] The City Council unanimously approved the appointment the next day, Wednesday, October 7, 2009,[16] and Daley swore in Rice.[17][18] The appointment of Rice drew criticism from some in the local media.[19][20] After Rice took office, he voted consistently in support of Mayor Daley's positions.[21]
On April 5, 2011, Chicago firefighter Nick Sposato defeated Rice with 56% of the vote, 5,629 to 4,378. “It’s a sad day for the people of the 36th Ward, because the people have no idea what they just did to themselves,” Rice said.[22][23]
Post-aldermanic career
On November 21, 2011, Rice applied for and, on the same day, started a newly created, $84,420-a-year position as a deputy director of traffic safety with the Illinois Department of Transportation in the James R. Thompson Center across the street from Chicago City Hall. The opening was never posted.[24]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Mihalopoulos, Dan (2009-10-06). "Daley names Banks aide new alderman". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2009-10-07.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Public Payroll Database". Better Government Association. Retrieved 2009-10-08.
- ↑ Stewart, Russ (2009-05-27). ""CINDERELLA STORY" IN 36TH WARD: FROM DRIVER TO ALDERMAN". Chicago's Northwest Side Press (Nadig Newspapers). Retrieved 2009-10-08.
- ↑ "Daley praises retiring Banks, mum on successor". Chicago Tribune. 2009-05-02. Retrieved 2009-10-08.
- ↑ Mihalopoulos, Dan (2009-08-10). "Driver sets $200 price on alderman's farewell, Likely successor says checks made out to Banks will 'buy him gift'". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2009-10-07.
- ↑ Mihalopoulos, Dan (2009-08-10). "Make the check out to the alderman (for a retirement present); Retirement party organizer asking attendees for $200 checks made out to Ald. William J.P. Banks". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2009-11-06.
- ↑ Gilmer, Marcus (2009-08-10). "Hot Ticket: Ald. Banks' Retirement Party". Chicagoist. Retrieved 2009-11-06.
- ↑ "Alderman To Get Lots Of Checks For Retirement; Driver, Would-Be Successor To Throw Party, Ask For Personal Donations For The Retiring William J.P. Banks". CBS 2 Chicago News. 2009-08-10.
- ↑ Rhodes, Steve (2009-08-12). "Driving Bill Banks; In Chicago, a resume builder". NBC Chicago News. Retrieved 2009-11-06.
- ↑ Goldberger, Ben (2009-08-10). "Alderman's Retirement Party Turned Into Personal Fundraiser". The Huffington Post. Retrieved 2009-11-06.
- ↑ Mihalopoulos, Dan (2009-08-12). "Alderman's $200-a-ticket retirement party canceled". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2009-10-07.
- ↑ Gilmer, Marcus (2009-08-12). "Party Poopers: Ald. Banks' "Retirement" Party Canceled". Chicagoist. Retrieved 2009-11-06.
- ↑ Goldberger, Ben (2009-08-12). "Alderman's Retirement Party Cum Personal Fundraiser Canceled". The Huffington Post. Retrieved 2009-11-06.
- ↑ Mihalopoulos, Dan (2009-08-07). "Retired Chicago alderman’s seat going to his aide; Mayor Daley names John Rice to succeed William J.P. Banks". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2009-11-06.
- ↑ Lutz, BJ (2009-10-06). "Daley Names Banks' Successor for 36th Ward; John Rice was William Banks' former aide". NBC Chicago News. Retrieved 2009-11-06.
- ↑ Mihalopoulos, Dan (2009-10-07). "Chicago City Council approves Banks' choice for 36th Ward alderman". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2009-10-07.
- ↑ "Chicago City Council approves abortion clinic protection". Chicago Tribune. 2009-10-07. Retrieved 2009-10-07.
- ↑ Spielman, Fran (2009-10-07). "New alderman sworn in — twice: Rice raises his left hand, rather than right, so he had to repeat oath". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2009-10-08.
- ↑ Rhodes, Steve (2009-10-09). "New Alderman Sneaked Onto Council". NBC 5 News. Retrieved 2009-10-09.
- ↑ "Who Wants to Be an Alderman?". The Chicago Reader. 2010-03-18. Retrieved 2010-03-18.
- ↑ Simpson, Dick; Nell, James; Mouritsen Zmuda, Missy; Gradel, Thomas J.; Smith, Cori; Kelly, Tom (March 2011), The Last of the Daley Years; Chicago City Council Voting Report #5; May 21, 2007 – January 13, 2011, University of Illinois at Chicago Department of Political Science
- ↑ Mihalopoulos, Dan; Clauss, Hunter. "Deposed 36th Ward Alderman Blasts Challenger". Chicago News Cooperative.
- ↑ Kass, John (2011-04-07). "Nick Sposato throws 36th Ward machine for a loop". Chicago Tribune.
- ↑ Clauss, Hunter (2012-02-07). "Ousted Alderman Landed State Job the Day He Applied". Chicago News Cooperative.
External links
- 36th Ward, ward map and contact information
| |||||||||||
| |||||||||||
