Manuel Flores (American politician)

Manuel "Manny" Flores is the alderman of the 1st ward in Chicago, IL. Alderman Flores is serving his first term; he was elected in 2004.

Early Life

Flores attended Dominican University where he earned his bachelor’s degree with honors in political science. He later went to George Washington Law School, where he was awarded honors for his clinical work on immigration and human rights litigation in political asylum cases.

Public Service

Flores started his career in politics as a congressional aide to Congressman Luis Gutierrez. He was later a prosecutor for the Office of Cook County State’s Attorney.

In addition to his role as an alderman, Flores sits on two nonprofit boards. He sits on the board for Community Health which provides healthcare to the poor and uninsured. He also sits on the board of C.A.U.S.E.S which provides psychiatric therapy and treatment to children who have been the victims of domestic abuse and violence.

Aldermanic Career

Flores was elected alderman in 2004, defeating Alderman Jesse Granato after a close election that resulted in a runoff.

As alderman, he sits on five city council committees: Economic, Capital and Technology Development, Historical Landmark Preservation, Rules and Ethics, Parks and Recreation, and Special Events and Cultural Affairs. Since 2004, he has introduced and passed legislation in the areas of consumer protection, land-use and development, banking, healthcare, and government operations and management. Flores has also fought for worker rights by calling for better severance packages for displaced workers.

Flores works to achieve greater access to computer technology; he serves on the Illinois Broadband Deployment Council and Chicago City Council Wireless Taskforce. Through these organizations, Flores helps in the development of strategies to ensure affordable internet access and create public wireless hot spots to every neighborhood in Chicago.

Personal Lfe

Alderman Flores lives in the Wicker Park neighborhood with his wife, Georgina.

External Links

Alderman Flores' Home Page