The big buzz in Chicago today is interesting: our Mayor posted an online 'ad' to find two replacement aldermen for the 1st and 29th Wards. I'm  a fan of this method - let the public know about a position and enable them to apply accordingly. What is missing from this process is the 'what' behind what an alderman's $100+ salary is supposed to accomplish?

The job application asks potential aldermen to ensure they don't owe the city any cash, have not been convicted of a crime, lived in the ward for a year, etc. As I scoured the press looking for such job descriptions, I came up empty. As a voting member of city council, it befuddles me as to why I can't seem to find detailed job requirements - especially when an alderman can change the shape of one's neighborhood (new bar opening, new condo going up, new stop light at elementary school).

I've lived in Chicago since 1998 and have done work in my own ward, the 2nd. From what I understand, aldermen do everything from review new business applications,  question developer proposals, approve rezoning requests, install stop lights and keep in close contact with the police department. I also know that the entire constituency of a ward can and should contact the alderman for whatever issues they have. These issues include everything from lack of parking places to construction workers that begin tinkering away at a new high-rise at 7:30 am.

As the Mayor looks to appoint two new members of the 50 Aldermen Crew in Chicago, may I suggest the following enhancements to the whole aldermanic system:

-list all of the duties expected of an alderman

-easily make the voting history of each alderman public and online

-ensure that each ward office has ample staff to answer emails/requests from all members of the ward

-reach out to both renters and owners, educating them on the ins and outs of the ward

-educate residents as to what fundraisers actually do

-conduct bi-weekly or monthly ward meeetings

-create an iPhone app for each ward, enabling immediate requests/questions sent to each ward's central office

-require each ward to have an up-to-date web site, utilizing the latest social media/community tools

Anyone else have any suggestions?