Monique Scott is sworn in to Chicago City Council, replacing her brother as 24th Ward alderman

Her brother, Michael Scott Jr., resigned in May to take a job with the film and television production company, Cinespace.

Monique Scott is sworn in as the 24th Ward alderperson
Monique Scott is sworn in to replace her brother, Michael Scott, as the 24th Ward alderperson during a Chicago City Council meeting at City Hall, Wednesday morning, June 22, 2022. Ashlee Rezin / Chicago Sun-Times
Monique Scott is sworn in as the 24th Ward alderperson
Monique Scott is sworn in to replace her brother, Michael Scott, as the 24th Ward alderperson during a Chicago City Council meeting at City Hall, Wednesday morning, June 22, 2022. Ashlee Rezin / Chicago Sun-Times

Monique Scott is sworn in to Chicago City Council, replacing her brother as 24th Ward alderman

Her brother, Michael Scott Jr., resigned in May to take a job with the film and television production company, Cinespace.

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Chicago’s City Council has a brand new alderman.

Council members on Wednesday unanimously confirmed Monique Scott to lead the West Side’s 24th Ward, left vacant by the abrupt resignation of her brother. Scott currently works as a supervisor for the Chicago Park District. Previously, the new alderman worked as a health consultant for 14 years for the North Lawndale Christian Health Center, according to the mayor’s office.

Her brother, Michael Scott Jr., resigned in May to take a job with the film and television production company, Cinespace. He also cited the pandemic and unrelenting violence in his decision to leave the post, saying those factors have taken a toll on him and his family.

Monique Scott is now set to carry out Michael Scott’s term through early 2023, but in her comments to council members after her confirmation Wednesday, she indicated she’ll run for another four years in the upcoming city election.

“It is my responsibility and my duty to continue to serve, as you all are,” Scott said. “And so you all are my role models, and I will continue to look to you for advice or counsel during these next challenging months, I’m sure, and over the next four years, hopefully. Not hopefully — over the next four years.”

Michael Scott was one of Lightfoot’s most reliable allies. This is the second alderman — and second woman of color — Lightfoot has appointed during her tenure due to a midterm vacancy. In March, the City Council swore in the council’s first Asian American alderman, Nicole Lee, to fill the seat left vacant by convicted former alderman Patrick Daley Thompson.

Aldermen on Wednesday praised Scott and her family. Her father served as president of the Chicago Board of Education under Mayor Richard M Daley.

“You come from good stock… Your father has worked for the betterment of the city of Chicago. And we know that you will do the same,” said Ald. Carrie Austin, who is under indictment.

Council members joked about the fact that Scott will be replacing her brother.

“We know you have some small shoes and some short shoes to fill, but we welcome you,” said Ald. Jason Ervin, 28th Ward.

Ald. David Moore, 17th Ward, addressed apparent criticism that the mayor’s appointment of Scott to replace her brother is another example of the establishment and insider politics that have plagued Chicago for decades. That style of politics has built Chicago political dynasties such as the Daley family, the Mell family and more.

“Your resume undoubtedly speaks for itself and I don’t feel like somebody, just because somebody’s family member, that they should be, for lack of a better word, not considered,” said Moore.

“And so, you stand on your own two feet. And I just wanted to make sure we express that because we always talk about succession planning and succession planning starts at home.”

Lightfoot chose Scott from a pool of 19 applicants who applied to represent the 24th ward on the West Side, including the chief of staff to Ervin. Scott also volunteers through the mayor’s My Chi. My Future program for youth.

Scott was recommended to Lightfoot by a four-person committee made up mostly of 24th Ward residents.

Committee members include Alderman Michelle Harris who chairs the council’s Committee on Committees and Rules; Brenda Palms Barber, President and CEO of North Lawndale Employment Network; Sheila McNary, President and CEO of Advanced Care Services, Inc.; and Marcus Betts, Assistant Vice Chancellor for External Engagement at UIC.

Mariah Woelfel covers Chicago city government at WBEZ. You can follow her on Twitter @MariahWoelfel.