Clock now ticking to fill vacant third ward seat after Crudup resignation

Harvey’s now 1 alderperson short. Now, the clock’s ticking to fill that now vacant third ward seat.

As of Friday, March 25, the third ward no longer has an alderperson after Quinton Crudup resigned. The mayor’s office now has 60 days to make a nomination to the seat, setting off an appointment process — dead smack in the middle of election season.

The City Council then has 30 days to approve the appointment. If they don’t, Mayor Christopher J. Clark has 30 days to make another appointment.

In the event that the City Council does not approve the second appointment, the mayor can then make an appointment to temporarily fill the vacancy until the next scheduled election. That person can fill the seat for no more than 28 months, according to the Illinois State Municipal Code.

Former Ald. Crudup sent a letter to his constituents last month citing an outside job and educational obligations as reasons behind his exit. “This is not a position I take lightly or take for granted. As a lifelong Third Ward resident, I believe this is more than a part-time position and should be treated as such,” he wrote.

Crudup is also a payroll specialist for Harvey Schools District 152 and recently completed a master’s program in 2021. It is unclear if he is currently in another education program.

Monday’s City Council meeting was the first since Crudup’s resignation. However, it really didn’t happen.

There were only 2 alderpersons present: Alderman Tracy Keys and Alderman Tyrone Rogers.

“Considering the roll call, there is not attendance for a quorum today, so this meeting cannot be held. See everybody in 2 weeks. Thank you very much. Have a good week,” Clark quickly said before adjourning the meeting.

The City Council was slated to discuss a possible contract with J&J Newell, a concrete pavement company, regarding sidewalk improvements along 154th Street, according to the meeting agenda.

Mayor Clark has not signaled who he will nominate to fill the third ward seat.

The third ward boundary extends from 151st and 161 Street between Western Avenue to the west and Ashland Avenue to the east. It includes major institutions like the Harvey Police Department and the University of Chicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial Hospital.