Chicago City Wire

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has chosen Randy Conner, who had previously retired abruptly in 2020, to head the city's water department. Mayor Johnson praised Conner as "a proven leader and someone who knows the ins and outs of infrastructure and water management."

The Mayor’s Office has expressed confidence in Conner's ability to manage the Department of Water Management in Chicago, citing his diverse background and track record. 

"There is nothing more foundational to our collective health than clean drinking water, and Randy brings the type of compassionate, collaborative and competent leadership that this city needs to manage our systems for safety and good health," Johnson said according to a press release.

Conner's return comes after his departure following a call by a lawyer representing city employees in a discrimination lawsuit for then-Mayor Lori Lightfoot to overhaul the Water Department. The plaintiffs, former employees of the Chicago Water Department, allege that despite replacing a white commissioner with an African American one, discrimination continues even two years later. Katherine Ealy resigned from her role as chief operating engineer at the Sawyer water treatment plant citing a toxic work environment characterized by racism and homophobia.

Attorney Victor Henderson demanded an overhaul of the department back in 2019. 

"Take a water hose and clean out the water department. Get rid of the cronyism. Get rid of the racism. Get rid of the nepotism. Get rid of the homophobia. Clean the place out. And that includes Commissioner Randy Conner, who’s an African American," he said according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

Conner chose not to disclose his reasons for retiring during the Christmas holiday in 2020. Despite calls for his dismissal, he continued to receive support from members of the City Council Black Caucus. Alderman Jason Ervin, chairman of the caucus defended Conner's performance amidst challenging circumstances.

"We're not condoning any discrimination whatsoever, we just know it's not as simple as switching a switch and it just goes away," Ervin said in a statement. "Again, these are attitudes and years of stuff that's built up in people and I know that he's doing the best he can to remedy those situations."

In addition to Conner, Mayor Johnson also announced other leadership appointments. Tom Carney was appointed as commissioner of the Chicago Department of Transportation and Sandra Blakemore as commissioner of the Department of Human Resources. The City Council is required to approve these appointments, according to the Office of the Mayor.