Ald. Flores Selected to Head State Utility Agency

By Prescott Carlson in News on Jan 4, 2010 9:40PM

Supporters of city reform received some bad news today -- Ald. Manny Flores (D-1st) won't be an alderman much longer. Saying he's had his "eye on Manny for a long time," Gov. Pat Quinn announced that he's selected Flores to be the head of the Illinois Commerce Commission, the agency that regulates the state's utilities. Among the first of Flores' duties will likely be overseeing the state's new renewable energy plan, which was announced last week. If Flores is confirmed for the job by the Illinois Senate (and it seems highly unlikely that he wouldn't be), he will resign as alderman for his new $134,000 per year gig.

The announcement is certainly a great way to start the new year for Mayor Daley, as Flores was one of the few lonely dissenters on the City Council. Flores voted against the most recent city budget, fought for transparency for city TIFs and the Olympic bid (as well as calling for a cap on city liabilities for the Games), and was also part of the introduction of an ordinance that would put the brakes on any future city lease agreements and sales so that they can be properly reviewed.

With Flores out of the way, Daley will be free to appoint a lackey in his place, all but assuring a "No" vote won't be coming out of the 1st Ward any time soon, further tightening King Richard's grip on Chicago. That will bring the number of mayoral appointees to a whopping 17 -- an entire third of the City Council.