Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss announced in his electronic mayoral newsletter Tuesday that the application process for filling the 9th Ward aldermanic seat – to replace exiting Ald. Cicely Fleming – is now open.
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Fleming announced her resignation from the City Council on Dec. 21, stating in her ward newsletter, “The expectations of residents, requirement of my time, unhealthy work culture of city hall, and unproductive tension on the Dias have negatively impacted me.”
She originally indicated that she would serve until Jan. 31. However, Biss’ newsletter Tuesday states that she will leave office as of Feb. 15.
“As Mayor, I have greatly appreciated Councilmember Fleming’s insight, her tireless advocacy for 9th Ward residents and her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of all Evanston residents,”Biss stated in his newsletter.
Biss also gave a timeline for residents interested in applying for the position to do so. The application period runs until Feb. 14, the date of the next City Council meeting.
A public hearing is tentatively scheduled for Feb. 17 where candidates will make their presentations. The mayor’s appointment choice is set to be announced Feb. 22, and the City Council would vote on the appointee at the Feb. 28 meeting, the mayor wrote.
The appointed alderman would serve until the next city election in 2023. If the person would like to continue in the seat, they would have to seek election to it.
The application for the vacancy includes several questions about the candidate’s experiences and their goals while serving. The questions include what the candidate would like to accomplish on the council, how they would address the current council’s needs, any conflicts of interest and how long they have resided in the 9th Ward. The application is available in both English and Spanish.
Biss encouraged residents to apply for the position and spread the word about the application.
“I look forward to an open, inclusive process that will enable us to best fill this important role in our city government,” he said in his newsletter.
The application can be found on the city’s website.
Emily Little is a freelancer.