(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Some Chicago Aldermen say they want clarity on the city’s do-not-hire policy and justice for those who landed on the list under an ousted member of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s team.
“It completely ruined a future that I would have.”
Outside City Hall, a small group of former Chicago employees who wound up on the do-not-hire list under the watch of the Mayor’s former communications director, Ronnie Reese, and Aldermen vowing to fight for them, including the 32nd Ward’s Scott Waguespack.
“We want answers today, but we also want changes to this policy by early next year so that the abuse of our city employees cannot continue by the Johnson administration.”
Reese was accused of harassment, racism and sexism before his firing in October, something former staffer Josué Ortiz says he saw firsthand before being placed on the list.
“I witnessed a difference in the treatment of male staffers and female staffers.”
36th Ward Alderman Gilbert Villegas.
“What we saw under Ronnie Reese and this administration was the abuse of an ordinance put in place to deal with infamous crimes, not to be used for political retribution or payback.”
There had been a number of allegations made by staffers against Reese: misogyny, racism, sexual harassment. One said he referred to himself as “untouchable.”
The allegations were detailed in reporting by the Chicago Tribune and Crain’s Chicago Business, following FOIA requests that produced documents.
The Mayor addressed the controversy surrounding the firing of Reese on Monday, saying his administration does not tolerate the type of behavior that’s alleged.
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