Emanuel announces proposed council reorganization

Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel has proposed a reorganization of the Chicago City Council.

Emanuel's plan keeps Alderman Ed Burke as the city's finance chairman. But it also gives a committee chairmanship to Alderman Patrick O'Connor, an Emanuel ally.

O'Connor told the Chicago Sun-Times it wasn't about diluting Burke's power but about coming up with a committee structure that makes sense.

Burke didn't back Emanuel in the February election.

Emanuel's proposal also cuts the number of committees to 16 from 19. Emanuel has talked about consolidating council committees as a way to save money.

Emanuel will be sworn in as mayor May 16. He replaces Mayor Richard Daley, who didn't seek a seventh term after 22 years in office.