Evanston Mayor Endorses His Aldermanic Appointees For Full Terms

EVANSTON, IL — Ahead of the next month's special municipal elections in two Evanston wards, Mayor Daniel Biss endorsed the two councilmembers he appointed during the previous year.

This week, his Friends of Daniel Biss political action committee distributed a letter from the mayor telling voters that he needs Alds. Krissie Harris and Juan Geracaris to remain on the City Council.

Biss said Harris and Geracaris have been "instrumental" in the city's accomplishments since he appointed them. He cited the passage of a budget without property tax increases, increased funding for police and fire pensions, leading efforts to make Evanston the "greenest" city in Illinois and finding new revenue sources for the city's reparations housing grant program.

Both the appointed councilmembers are also dedicated to responsive constituent service, according to Biss.

"As proud as I am of the work we’ve done, there have also been challenges. This is a turbulent time — across the whole country as well as in our own community. One reflection of this is a divisiveness and even hostility that can sometimes creep into City Council debates," Biss said.

"When that happens, it usually gets in the way of sound decision making and progress. Juan and Krissie have both consistently served as a voices of reason and calm on City Council, establishing just the tone we need," he said. "We’re very fortunate for the influence they’ve had on the Council."

Residents of the 2nd and 9th wards received messages from Biss's campaign committee specifically endorsing Harris and Geracaris, respectively.

Biss appointed Geracaris to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former 9th Ward Ald. Cicely Fleming, who stepped down in February 2022, about six months after running unopposed for a second term in office.

He is facing a challenge from Kathy Hayes, a retired Cook County employee who has been endorsed by Fleming.

In July, former 2nd Ward Ald. Peter Braithwaite resigned, with Biss picking Harris from seven applicants for the post.

Harris is facing a challenge from Darlene Cannon, who lost to Braithwaite by 71 votes in 2021 in his first competitive election, as well as Patricia Gregory, a Parks and Recreation Board member.

Two years ago, then-Mayor Steve Hagerty weighed into Evanston aldermanic elections on his way out of office, endorsing incumbent councilmembers Ann Rainey and Don Wilson — both of whom lost.

Related:

'I Don't Love My Role': Cicely Fleming Resigns From City Council
Mayor Appoints Juan Geracaris To Evanston City Council
Evanston Ald. Braithwaite, Interim City Manager Gandurski To Resign
Krissie Harris Appointed New Evanston 2nd Ward Alderperson