Chicago, IL
Cook County Commissioner Roberto Maldonado has been appointed by Mayor Richard M. Daley to fill the vacant 26th Ward aldermanic seat vacated by Billy Ocasio, now working for Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn.
A Democrat, the 57-year-old Maldonado has served on the Cook County board since 1994 and has a long record of support for the LGBT community. Prior to serving on the Board, he was a psychologist with the Chicago Public School system.
Initially it appeared Daley would appoint controversial Rev. Wilfredo DeJesus, known for his anti-gay policies and beliefs, to fill the seat. Uproar from LGBT leaders and questions about residency prompted his name to be withdrawn from consideration.
A Democrat, the 57-year-old Maldonado has served on the Cook County board since 1994 and has a long record of support for the LGBT community. Prior to serving on the Board, he was a psychologist with the Chicago Public School system.
Initially it appeared Daley would appoint controversial Rev. Wilfredo DeJesus, known for his anti-gay policies and beliefs, to fill the seat. Uproar from LGBT leaders and questions about residency prompted his name to be withdrawn from consideration.
