May 12, 2009 10:37 am US/Central
Ocasio To Quit City Council, Join Governor's Staff
Ocasio Has Served As Alderman Since 1993
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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Ald. Billy Ocasio (26th) is leaving the City Council to take a job as a senior adviser to Gov. Pat Quinn.
CBS
Ald. Billy Ocasio (26th) is accepting a job as a senior adviser to Gov. Pat Quinn and will resign his seat in the City Council.
Ocasio, chairman of the council's Human Relations Committee, is recommending that Mayor Richard M. Daley appoint Rev. Wilfredo DeJesus to replace him.
A news release from Quinn's office said in his new role, Ocasio "will work closely with Governor Quinn on an array of important social justice issues that impact communities throughout the state."
"I look forward to working with Billy Ocasio," Quinn said in the news release. "All of Illinois will be well-served by his valuable experience in public policy and deep dedication to helping working families."
Ocasio was appointed alderman by Mayor Daley in 1993, after then-Ald. Luis Gutierrez left the Council when he won a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Ocasio represents much of the Near Northwest Side neighborhoods of Humboldt Park, Logan Square and West Town, and is the chairman of the City Council Human Relations Committee.
"I welcome the opportunity to join Governor Quinn's Administration," Ocasio said in the release. "He is dedicated to opening up Illinois government to all the people and I am happy to join him in that reform effort."
Ocasio is expected to begin his new post in June, according to the governor's office.
The STNG Wire contributed to this report.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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