You’re hired! Mayor Daley is looking for Aldermen

Image by Egan Snow via Flickr

Mayor Richard Daley has two job openings to fill and instead of simply naming the closest family member of the outgoing alderman, he’s actually posted an ad and looking for applicants and the whole things is unintentionally hilarious.

Daley’s looking to fill vacancies for the 1st Ward, formerly held by Manny Flores who resigned last month after Gov. Pat Quinn named him head of the Illinois Commerce Commission. The 29th Ward seat was vacated this month when Ike Carothers pleaded guilty in federal court to tax and bribery charges.

Take a look at the job requirements.

Applications should include the following items:

• A cover letter to Mayor Richard M. Daley expressing your interest in being considered for the appointment.
• A resume that includes details about your community involvement and prior work experience.
• At least three letters of recommendation from community leaders, business leaders, or residents of the ward

Two of the job requirements are particularly hilarious but really need to be amended (italics mine):

• Owe no taxes or other debt to the City of Chicago, that we know of or that can be easily proved by a federal investigator.
• Not have been convicted in any court located in the United States of any infamous crime, bribery, perjury, or other felony, until after appointed to office at which point the City will pay all legal expenses.

The City oddly doesn’t provide a job description so allow me:

Mayor Richard M. Daley seeks candidates for a part time position “serving” the City of Chicago as Alderman of their respective districts. Responsibilities include sporadic attendance at Council meetings, ability to speak out of both sides of the mouth, two faces, and a total lack of ethics.

Salary: Six figures for life with regular cost of living increases at the expense of non-union employees. Friends and family ride free. Good benefits, including new homes and/or remodeling.

Applications are due tomorrow, Friday, February 19, 2010, and must be delivered to City Hall.

Democracy at work.