"Miguel del Valle is a man who loves Chicago, cares about its people and is always looking for ways to help them," said Mayor Daley in a City Hall press conference last week. "I think he'll be an excellent City Clerk and I look forward to working with him in the future."
Since former Chicago City Clerk James Laski resigned in February after a jury found him guilty of taking cash bribes in the city's hired truck scandal, the post has remained vacant. Spanning a wait of over seven months, Daley took his time in appointing a replacement for Laski who had held the position since 1995.
Last week at City Hall, Daley announced that Illinois Senator Miguel del Valle would fill the City Clerk's position—a decision referred to as a "tremendous coup" for Daley according to Senate President Emil Jones. Responding to the post's past—and corruption allegations made of all Chicago government—Daley assured the city that del Valle would run the office with greater trustworthiness.
"Senator del Valle stands out from the crowd because of his qualifications, his experience and his integrity," Daley said. "I served in the State Senate, myself, and I know that some senators work harder than others. Miguel del Valle works harder than almost anyone else."
Most Chicagoans are familiar with the City Clerk only through their automobile—the office is responsible for distributing city stickers every year to register resident's motor vehicles—yet the post holds much more significant responsibility. As the most visited city office, the City Clerk maintains official records of city government and distributes various licenses. The Chicago City Clerk oversees a staff of 120 people and is the city's second highest ranking official.
Although Daley has yet to officially make a bid for another Mayoral term, one can sense that the possiblity is strong, and many consider his choosing del Valle a very strategic move. With an outstanding record, del Valle, at the City Clerk helm, would contribute greatly to the credibility of the Daley administration that has taken a beating with seemingly unending scandals. The appointment also demonstrates more diversity to some voters that might otherwise choose a new mayor.
One likely mayoral candidate in the next election is U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Chicago, who has been highly critical of Daley's agenda. In the past, Daley has enjoyed vital Latino support through the Hispanic Democratic Organization which has significantly contributed to Daley's wins. As a Gutierrez candidacy could jeopardize this support, having del Valle by his side helps protect backing for the long-time incumbent Daley. Until now, del Valle has served as state senator since 1987 in a predominately Latino district on the city's Northwest side.
"Senator del Valle is a leader of the Latino community and a strong voice on behalf the people most deserving of our support. He has worked to increase the supply of affordable housing, combat mortgage fraud, improve bilingual education, reduce school overcrowding, improve health care and create job opportunities," said Daley.
Despite meeting Daley's approval, del Valle still needs the nod from the city council to make the post official and a subsequent campaign to keep it. An election for the post comes in February.
Feeds