Post-Daley Chicago politics publicly began Wednesday as newly inaugurated Mayor Rahm Emanuel took the reins of his first City Council meeting.
Emanuel showed up a half hour early for the 10 a.m. meeting that will approve new council committees and chairmen, including Ald. Edward Burke (14th Ward) as chairman of the Finance Committee and Ald. Patrick O’Connor (40th Ward) as chairman of the new Workforce Development and Audit Committee.
"It's exciting," said Ald. Danny Solis (25th Ward) before chatting with Emanuel about the Illinois DREAM Act.
"Let's shed light on Council business," said Ald. Will Burns (4th Ward).
On Monday, 13 new council members were sworn in during inauguration ceremonies.
Also expected on the docket is a mayoral request to approve Emanuel's picks for police superintendent, Garry McCarthy, and other main positions. The former Newark chief began serving as acting top cop after his boss' inauguration on Monday.
Jean-Claude Brizard, Emanuel's choice for Chicago Public Schools chief, began volunteering this week at CPS to familiarize himself with the district.
On Monday, CPS chief financial officer Diana Ferguson resigned her post, saying she's getting married and moving to the suburbs. Ferguson was one of three CPS executives Emanuel included on his leadership team.
