West Chicago mayor appoints new Ward 7 alderman

A new West Chicago alderman was sworn in Monday to represent Ward 7, replacing Noreen Ligino-Kubinski who resigned in January.

Joseph C. Morano took his oath of office with Mayor Ruben Pineda and City Clerk Nancy Smith in person at city hall, with all three wearing masks.

Meanwhile, other aldermen and watched online following their affirmative votes to concur with Pineda's appointment of Morano. Pineda noted that it was the first time a West Chicago alderman was sworn in during a Zoom meeting.

Morano lives in West Chicago's Cornerstone Lakes subdivision with his wife and three kids. In his letter to Pineda seeking office, Morano listed his previous work experience as a missile maintenance technician with the U.S. Air Force and as a sales manager and account executive who works with law firms and health care facilities.

Ligino-Kubinski wrote in an email that she decided to step down because she recently retired and was spending more time in Florida.

"I thought it best to resign to ensure that the 7th Ward residents are best served by an alderman who will be more available to serve our constituents," Ligino-Kubinski wrote. "Alderman Morano has a passion for public service, and I think he will serve the residents of the 7th Ward very well."

Morano's aldermanic term concludes in April 2023.

Ward 3 Alderman Michael D. Ferguson also resigned in January, citing family matters. Two candidates - Yuritzi Angeles and Christine Dettmann - are running for the seat in the April 6 election.