July 23--Mayor Rahm Emanuel has named a lobbyist and former top aide to House Speaker Michael Madigan to be the next chief of staff at City Hall.
Eileen Mitchell will assume the key post in the Emanuel administration next month. The lobbyist for AT will succeed Emanuel confidant Forrest Claypool, who is taking over the beleaguered Chicago Public Schools.
According to Emanuel's office, Mitchell has been at AT since 2003, where "she has been responsible for leading the company's initiatives in public policy, community relations and charitable giving in Illinois."
Before joining AT, Mitchell worked as issues director and special assistant to Madigan, according to Emanuel's office.
In March 2003, the Chicago Tribune reported that Madigan had given Mitchell a 10 percent pay raise to $105,996 during a budget crisis as part of double-digit pay bumps to senior staff members.
In 2002, Madigan gave Mitchell bonuses totaling $30,000 that some critics at the time contended were rewards from Madigan for doing political work on top of her regular policy duties. Madigan's office said at the time that the bonuses were "merit adjustments" that were not linked to political work.
Emanuel, who's trying to break through the stalemate between Madigan and Gov. Bruce Rauner in Springfield to pass the city's legislative agenda in an attempt to ease the shortfalls in city and CPS pension funds, referenced Mitchell's ability to get legislation passed in her appointment.
"During her time in public service and the private sector, Eileen has demonstrated a unique ability to help pass important legislation and manage complicated issues -- a critical skill set for any Chief of Staff," Emanuel said in a news release. "Eileen has a passion for public service that will benefit the residents of Chicago as we continue our work to right the City's financial ship while creating jobs and spurring neighborhood development."
jebyrne@tribpub.com
