The process to apply to fill the aldermanic seat in the 7th ward vacated by Sandi Jackson began Monday.
Residents living in the communities of South Shore, South Chicago, Calumet Heights and South Deering can click here to download an application, submit it online and check their residency status to make sure they live in the ward.
Applications also can be emailed to 7thwardcandidate@cityofchicago.org or mailed to 7th Ward Aldermanic Screening Committee, City Hall, Room 406, 121 N. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL 60602.
The application process will close 5 p.m. Friday.
This will mark Mayor Emanuel's first aldermanic appointment.
"I am looking for a candidate with a strong record of community engagement and involvement throughout the ward who is ready to work on day one," he said in a news release.
Jackson resigned Jan. 11 from the elected position. The salary for the job is $113,001 for 2013. The term of the appointment would be two years until the next city election in 2015.
The application asks about community involvement, issues facing the ward and strengths of candidates. Applicants must live in the ward for at least one year before taking office, not be in debt to the city, not have been convicted of "any infamous crime, bribery, perjury, or other felony" in the U.S., and not hold any city office or civil service office in federal, state, or local government unless granted leave of absence when sworn in.
This week, Emanuel will appoint a four-person commission to review the applications and narrow the list down to three finalists.
He expects a new alderman to be sworn into office by the next council meeting set for Feb. 13.
"The process I have devised is a transparent, open process that will allow any eligible resident of the 7th ward to present their qualifications and will ensure the residents of this community get a strong representative on City Council," he said.
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