HYDE PARK — Sophia King was appointed interim 4th Ward alderman late Monday night by Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
King, founder of the nonprofit Harriet’s Daughters, is expected to be confirmed at Wednesday’s City Council meeting and will serve as alderman until a special election is held in February 2017.
“For almost 30 years, Sophia King has not just lived in the 4th Ward, she has worked to improve the quality of life for everyone who lives there,” Emanuel said in a prepared statement. “She has led initiatives to increase education, recreation, employment and safety, as well as quality affordable housing. She will be a tireless advocate for her constituents as she serves on City Council.”
Of the 18 people that applied for the interim post, the mayor met with King and two other finalists last week, according to the Mayor’s Office.
King was not immediately available to comment, but in a statement released by the Mayor’s Office said she’s ready to get to work.
“I look forward to collaborating with all people who want to make a positive difference in the city that I love, and to continue to position the 4th Ward as an example of transparent, innovative and community focused work that lifts all residents,” King said. “I appreciate the confidence of Mayor Rahm Emanuel and his willingness to engage a new voice.”
King appears to be more than placeholder and on March 9 formed a political committee to start fundraising to hold onto the seat.
She has already raised at least $23,500 for the upcoming campaign, almost all of it from her influential neighbors on the 4900 block of South Woodlawn Ave.
The group of wealthy neighbors on the block include Marty Nesbitt, chairman of the board of the Barack Obama Foundation, though Nesbitt has not contributed to King's campaign.
Ald. Will Burns resigned from the seat in March for a job at AirBnB offering little explanation of why he was leaving the job after starting his second term in May.
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