Council Says Farewell to Alderman Jean-Baptiste
The February 28, 2011 meeting of the Evanston City Council marked the end of an era when Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl and fellow Aldermen honored Second Ward Alderman Lionel Jean-Baptiste for his ten years of service to the City Council and his dedication to community service.
Recently the Illinois Supreme Court appointed him to the 9th Sub-circuit Court of Cook County. Jean-Baptiste's appointment will take effect March 4, 2011.
During his tenure, Alderman Jean-Baptiste championed equity across the board in the areas of service delivery, economic development, investment in infrastructures, neighborhood improvement for all Evanstonians and all areas of the city.
He also advocated for greater participation of minority owned, women owned and Evanston based businesses (MWEBE) in contracts awarded by the city and increased local hiring. His efforts along with the efforts of his colleagues resulted in the creation of the Local Employment Program to do just that on city projects.
Alderman Jean-Baptiste has also been a strong advocate for city led programs intentionally aimed at transforming the youth and young adults who are “falling through the cracks” from liabilities on the Citizens of Evanston to being productive citizens. The city now has a Youth Engagement division as a result of his and his colleagues’ advocacy.