Alderman Howard Brookins Jr. and Clerk Miguel Del Valle on cable access this morning

This was an interesting interview by Boyse Edwards on his live call in show this Sunday morning. I found an interesting piece by both during the course of this half-hour interview. It involves the judicial system.

Ald. Brookins in the son of another state senator also named Howard Brookins Sr. who teamed with Del Valle who was a state senator for 20 years to create the judicial sub-circuits in Cook County which has allowed for more minority (Latino or black), Republican, and women judges on the bench in Cook County. Great to hear this. I didn't know this until now.

Del Valle as city clerk wants to make the office of city clerk as transparent and both agree that it is important for more people to have access and be able to know what their city government is doing. Ald. Brookins was also talking about the economic issues of his 21st ward. He talked about the Wal-Mart that would have been built in his ward on west 83rd street but was voted down by the city council a few years ago and his vote against the big box ordinance last summer.

Oh yeah if you're a college student, Clerk Del Valle has mentioned that they are looking for interns for this coming May to work in the City Clerk's office. To at least help with the city stickers, and the distribution of the business licenses that are distributed through the clerk though they aren't responsible for approving the licenses.

Also on before the city clerk and the 21st ward alderman was Cook County Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown who's seeking Chicago's Mayoralty. I can't remember many of her policy points but what I can say for her is that she is very articulate in expressing her vision. She really could make a great mayor though she may not win in 2007. I just think this will be Daley's year.

Oh by the way just now Ald. Brookins made a dig against the unions who attempted to push through their Big Box ordinance saying something no different than what his former collegue William Beavers said. That the unions should organize instead of getting the city council to do their job for them. Then he said that the unions are blocking African-Americans from the trades. Ouch!!!