Rahm picks Madigan ally for 23rd Ward seat
In a no- surprise move certain to please embattled Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, Mayor Rahm Emanuel has chosen state Rep. Silvana Tabares ( D- Chicago) of Garfield Ridge to become the new 23rd Ward alderman.
Tabares replaces Ald. Mike Zalewski, chairman of the City Council’s Aviation Committee, whose retirement from the City Council took effect May 31.
Before spending five years in the Illinois House, she served as managing editor of EXTRA Bilingual Community Newspaper.
Tabares was one of only four candidates and two finalists reviewed by a five- member selection committee. The number of applicants was reduced by the expectation that Tabares’ appointment was a done deal.
“As the only daughter of a single mother growing up on the Southwest Side of Chicago, I know how important a strong neighborhood is for our young people and families, and as a state representative, I have sought to protect working families and the neighborhoods they call home,” Tabares said in a news release.
“It is an honor to continue this work as the 23rd Ward alderman, a role in which I will continue to fight for strong schools, safe streets and good jobs.”
Tabares was not only Madigan’s choice but also Zalewski’s recommendation.
“She clearly understands what’s important to the people of the 23rd Ward . . . There’s no question in my mind she has got her priorities straight,” Zalewski said.
The appointment of a prominent Hispanic woman is certain to help Madigan with the # MeToo scandal swirling around his 13th Ward Regular Democratic Organization.
Tabares is a close ally of Madigan’s. She’s the state central committeewoman in the 3rd Congressional District, where Madigan is the state central committeeman.
Tabares’ election to the party leadership post — which gave her a vote on Madigan remaining as chairman of the state Democratic Party — was a top priority of the powerful House speaker in the March primary. Tabares’ name was above Madigan’s on the yard signs that blanketed the 13th Ward before the primary.
The Tabares appointment must be approved by the City Council.