Ald. Sandi Jackson's letter to Mayor Rahm Emanuel announcing her impending resignation.
Ald. Sandi Jackson's letter to Mayor Rahm Emanuel announcing her impending resignation.
CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
As FOX 32's Political Editor first reported last month, the mayor's office confirmed Friday that Sandi Jackson has resigned from Chicago City Council, effective January 15th.
Mayor Emanuel released a statement, saying, "As Sandi takes this time to focus on her family, we give her our deepest thanks and support for her service to our City and the residents of her ward. Her leadership has been greatly appreciated in the Chicago City Council."
The process to replace and identify an Alderman for the 7th district will be announced early next week, according to the release.
Sources say the mayor and the 7th ward Alderman talked in great length about her decision to resign by phone early Friday Afternoon.
Her resignation letter echoed the one submitted by her husband, Jesse Jackson Jr. when he quit congress. It cites accomplishes in her tenure.
"I have been fortunate to celebrate a myriad of milestones, including championing $98 million dollars in TIF funds, advancing the development of the Chicago Lakeside project, ushering in the construction and opening of the LEED Certified Powell Replacement School, as well as increasing the impact of 7th Ward CAPS programs and developing the first Special Service Area in the ward," Jackson writes.
Jackson goes on to say that, "throughout this remarkable journey, I have been inspired by the residents of the 7th Ward who exhibit an unwavering love for their neighborhood and deep determination to make Chicago a world-class city."
"I've known Sandi a long, long time. She's a very good person. For all the times I've known her, she's a generous person and I wish her well," Quinn says. "I wish Congressman Jackson good health and a good life and the same way for Sandi and the kids."
As FOX 32's Mike Flannery reported, one sign of her growing detachment were records kept by the city clerk showing Mrs. Jackson's absences. She missed more than 93 percent of 58 City Council committee meetings in 2012.
2nd Ward Alderman Bob Fiorertti worked on the City Finance Committee with Jackson and said the city of Chicago will miss her.
"I think it was something in the works and I think she's been considering it for awhile, especially since she's been missing some of her duties as an Alderman, so I think she made the right decision," Fioretti says.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Mrs. Jackson is a subject of the same investigation as her husband Jesse. The investigation is reportedly focused on whether campaign funds were used improperly to rehab and redecorate one of the family's homes. Former Asst. U.S. Attorney Michael Monico told Fox 32 News that, if Mrs. Jackson did not have her own, separate defense lawyer, she needed one.
Her husband reportedly learned last spring that the FBI was investigating his finances. He resigned Nov. 21, issuing a written statement that confessed unspecified "mistakes" and confirmed the FBI's criminal investigation. Former Rep. Jackson also cited ongoing treatment of his severe bipolar personality disorder.
Sandi Jackson has served in Chicago's 7th Ward since 2007.
Saturday, May 25 2013 10:50 AM EDT2013-05-25 14:50:09 GMT
The tornado that struck Oklahoma on Monday took a devastating toll in the number of lives lost and property destroyed. But amidst the anguish and destruction there is another heart-wrenching tragedy.
The tornado that struck Oklahoma on Monday took a devastating toll in the number of lives lost and property destroyed. But amidst the anguish and destruction there is another "heart-wrenching" tragedy -- displaced pets.
Monday, February 25 2013 1:41 PM EST2013-02-25 18:41:37 GMT
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Saturday, May 25 2013 11:04 AM EDT2013-05-25 15:04:24 GMT
City residents sick of coupons piling up on their front doorsteps filed a civil lawsuit earlier this month urging the Chicago Tribune and Valassis Communications to stop distributing the mailings.
City residents sick of coupons piling up on their front doorsteps filed a civil lawsuit earlier this month urging the Chicago Tribune and Valassis Communications to stop distributing the mailings on their properties.
Saturday, May 25 2013 10:50 AM EDT2013-05-25 14:50:09 GMT
The tornado that struck Oklahoma on Monday took a devastating toll in the number of lives lost and property destroyed. But amidst the anguish and destruction there is another heart-wrenching tragedy.
The tornado that struck Oklahoma on Monday took a devastating toll in the number of lives lost and property destroyed. But amidst the anguish and destruction there is another "heart-wrenching" tragedy -- displaced pets.
Saturday, May 25 2013 10:18 AM EDT2013-05-25 14:18:44 GMT
A wrongful death lawsuit was filed Thursday in Cook County Circuit Court on behalf of an Aurora attorney who died of medical complications following a 2012 single-engine plane crash in Florida.
A wrongful death lawsuit was filed Thursday in Cook County Circuit Court on behalf of an Aurora attorney who died of medical complications following a 2012 single-engine plane crash in Florida.
Friday, May 24 2013 11:00 PM EDT2013-05-25 03:00:57 GMT
An Evanston high school varsity baseball team will not play in the playoff tournament this weekend after a group of students, including team members, allegedly "sexted" risque photos to each other.
An Evanston high school varsity baseball team will not play in the playoff tournament this weekend after a group of students, including team members, allegedly "sexted" risque photos to each other.
Saturday, May 25 2013 4:42 PM EDT2013-05-25 20:42:49 GMT
First the Sequester cuts took the American military out of the Jones Beach Air Show and now the cold and rainy start to Memorial Day has washed out the first day of the air show.
First the Sequester cuts took the American military out of the Jones Beach Air Show and now the cold and rainy start to Memorial Day has washed out the first day of the air show.
Saturday, May 25 2013 3:39 PM EDT2013-05-25 19:39:36 GMT
Nassau County health officials announced that due to heavy rainfall, 19 beaches have been closed to bathing as a precautionary measure beginning Saturday, May 25.
Nassau County health officials announced that due to heavy rainfall, 19 beaches have been closed to bathing as a precautionary measure beginning Saturday, May 25.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:44 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:44:03 GMT
The unofficial start of summer is being met with not-so-perfect beach weather. Many beach communities had been hoping for good weather this Memorial Day weekend following the destruction caused by Superstorm Sandy.
The unofficial start of summer is being met with not-so-perfect beach weather. Many beach communities had been hoping for good weather this Memorial Day weekend following the destruction caused by superstorm Sandy. The Fox 5 weather team is calling for sunny skies on Sunday and Monday.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:34 PM EDT2013-05-25 01:34:31 GMT
Actress Amanda Bynes was arrested by New York City police after investigating a report of her allegedly smoking marijuana in the lobby of her Midtown Manhattan building.
Actress Amanda Bynes was arrested by New York City police after investigating a report of her allegedly smoking marijuana in the lobby of her Midtown Manhattan building.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:15 PM EDT2013-05-25 01:15:35 GMT
When workers installed one of the much-heralded bike-sharing stations on West 22nd Street near 10th Avenue, they put it right in front of the brownstones.
When workers installed one of the much-heralded bike-sharing stations on West 22nd Street near 10th Avenue, they put it right in front of the brownstones, impacting the entrances for homeowners and tenants.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:10 PM EDT2013-05-25 00:10:09 GMT
AP photo
Resorts held a grand opening Thursday for Margaritaville, the $35 million restaurant, bar, and gambling complex that's part of a $70 million expansion and renovation.
Resorts held a grand opening Thursday for Margaritaville, the $35 million restaurant, bar, and gambling complex that's part of a $70 million expansion and renovation.
