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Stanley Moore Chosen to Replace Beavers as Cook County Commissioner

By Wendell Hutson | April 11, 2013 2:24pm
 Stanley Moore was chosen Thursday, April 11, 2013 by a panel of Democratic bosses to replace William Beavers as Cook County Commissioner for the fourth district.
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CHICAGO — Stanley Moore, a former deputy director of the state's transportation department, was selected Thursday to replace convicted Cook County Commissioner William Beavers (4th).

Beavers, who was unavailable for comment, was convicted last month of illegally using his campaign funds for personal use, including gambling.

The panel of nine Democratic committeemen were Ald. Roderick Sawyer (6), Ald. Natashia Holmes (7), Ald. Michelle Harris (8), Ald. Anthony Beale (9), Ald. John Pop (10), Ald. Howard Brookins Jr. (21), Ald. Carrie Austin (34), and Democratic Committeemen Derrick Curtis (18th Ward) and Frank Zuccarelli, Thornton Township.

The panel, chaired by Brookins, interviewed 12 candidates including former Cook County Board President Todd Stroger, former state Sen. Howard Brookins, Sr., and Rev. Jacqueline Lewis at the Mr. G's Supper Club and Entertainment Center, 1457 W. 87th St., before deciding on Moore.

And while Ald. Brookins said there were several good candidates, he declined to say which candidates were the top three.

"At the time I'd rather not say," Brookins said. "What I can tell you is that the overwhelming majority of committeemen were satisfied with him [Moore] and the responses he gave during the interview."

Moore was temporarily sworn into office Thursday and begin his new job immediately.

"I am ready to get to work for the people of the fourth district," Moore said.

One thing Moore said he would start immediately is gaining the trust of his constituents. The former deputy director for the Illinois Department of Transportation, admitted Thursday that he lost his job in April 2009 and was fined $3,000 for an alleged ethics violation, which he paid Tuesday. He said if he had had the resources he would have fought to keep his job instead.

"My case would have been heard in Springfield and after my request to have the case moved to Chicago was denied, I knew I could not fight it," explained Moore. "I would have paid [the fine] sooner but I did not have the money. Since I lost my state job I have been in between jobs," explained Moore.

Brookins said the panel discussed the allegation against Moore but still decided he was the strongest candidate before them.

"I have known Stanley for over 10 years and he has always been a person of good character. And I am confident he can do the job," added Brookins.

The fourth district is located in the city's Seventh Ward, previously represented by Sandi Jackson, and 2nd Congressional District, previously represented by her husband Jesse Jackson Jr. Both Jacksons resigned and plead guilty in February to misusing campaign funds.

And while the Seventh Ward and the 2nd District are now represented by new elected officials, residents living in Cook County's fourth district said they are skeptical about anyone chosen by politicians and not by voters.

"Every time I look up we are losing someone to a scandal, and it's getting pretty ridiculous," said Teresa Crittle, a 53-year-old homemaker, wife and mother of two. "What is it going to take for these guys [elected officials] to realize that the government is watching them? All of this corruption makes me not want to vote anymore."