Daley picks a new city cler
By Gary Washburn
Tribune staff reporter
October 5, 2006, 1:27 PM CDT
Mayor Richard Daley on Thursday ended months of speculation, naming state Sen. Miguel del Valle to fill the vacant city clerk's post.
Del Valle said he will run for a full term in next February's election, and confirmed that he will endorse Daley if the mayor seeks reelection.
Del Valle candidacy makes it possible for Daley to run on a "rainbow" ticket, with an Hispanic running mate for clerk and an African-American, incumbent Judy Rice, for city treasurer.
Del Valle will replace James Laski, who resigned in February before pleading guilty to federal corruption charges.
Del Valle, 55, has been in the state Senate since 1987, serving a district that encompasses neighborhoods including Logan Square, Hermosa, Humboldt Park and West Town. He is the first Latino to serve as Senate assistant majority leader and currently is vice chairman of the Education Committee.
Del Valle won the clerk appointment despite having supported Daley's opponents when Daley first ran for mayor in 1989. He backed then-Ald. Lawrence Bloom in the primary, and then-Ald. Timothy Evans, who Daley defeated in the general election.
In the 1993 aldermanic elections, del Valle endorsed challengers who unseated two incumbents supported by Daley. Ald. Vilma Colom (35th) was defeated by Rey Colon, and Ald. Jesse Granato (1st), by Manny Flores.
More recently, del Valle has made peace with Hispanics aligned with Daley, according to one Latino politician who spoke on condition of anonymity.
A native of Puerto Rico, del Valle grew up in the West Town and Humboldt Park neighborhoods. He is a graduate of Tuley High School (now Roberto Clemente High School) and Northeastern Illinois University, where he received bachelor's and master's degrees in education and guidance.
Del Valle worked at Barreto Boys and Girls Club and served as executive director of Association House. He is married and the father of four children.
gwashburn@tribune.com
Copyright (c) 2006, Chicago Tribune
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