Emanuel names Sandi Jackson’s successor

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has named a former Illinois Department of Transportation worker to replace Sandi Jackson on the city council.

Emanuel says Natashia Holmes’ appointment as alderman of the 7th Ward represents a “break from the past” and a “fresh start.” He praised Holmes on Monday for a record of community engagement. She’s a former IDOT special projects manager and community planner.

Sandi Jackson is the wife of former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr., who resigned in November citing ongoing treatment for bipolar disorder.

She resigned office last month, saying she couldn’t adequately represent her South Side ward while dealing with “very painful health matters.”

The former congressman has been under federal investigation for the alleged misuse of campaign funds.

Holmes says it’s time for the ward to “move forward.”