Fran Spielman Show News Politics

Fran Spielman interviews Gilbert Villegas, Mat O’Shea on City Council reorganization plan

Aldermen Gilbert Villegas (36th) and Matt O’Shea (19th) dismiss behind-the-scenes chatter about a separate vote on the new mayor’s pick of Ald. Scott Waguespack (32nd) to serve as Finance Committee chairman.

By Sun-Times staff

Ald. Matt O’Shea, left, and Ald. Gilbert Villegas are interviewed by reporter Fran Spielman Friday, May 24, 2019. | Rich Hein/Sun-Times

Mayor Lori Lightfoot will have “north of 30 votes” — and as many as 35 votes — to deliver the City Council leaders she has chosen and pass with flying colors the first test of her political muscle, two members of that leadership team said Friday.

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th) is Lightfoot’s choice to chair the Economic Development Committee and double as the new mayor’s floor leader.

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19th) earned the right to stay on as Aviation Chairman and preside over the $8.7 billion O’Hare Airport expansion after delivering the biggest vote totals in the city for Lightfoot.

They spoke to the Sun-Times on The Fran Spielman Show.

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The Fran Spielman Show

Fran Spielman interviews Dr. Allison Arwady

Fran Spielman interviews Michael Fassnacht, City of Chicago’s chief marketing officer

Fran Spielman interviews Sun-Times executive editor Chris Fusco

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