Alderman's Biography

Mayor Richard M. Daley today appointed John A. Rice as alderman of the 36th Ward succeeding Alderman William J. P. Banks, whose retirement was effective August 31, 2009.

Rice, 41, had served as Aldermanic Aide to Banks since 2005.

"John is a lifelong resident of the ward and has a deep knowledge of its residents and their needs," Daley said at a City Hall news conference. "He has earned a reputatuion as someone who works tirelessly to provide city services to the neighborhoods of the ward and there's no more valuable trait for an elected official than that," the Mayor said.

Before working for Alderman Banks, John was a zoning inspector for the City (1997-2005) and he has also worked for the Cook County Highway Department (1991-97.)

Rice also has private sector experience. He was General Manager of Red Top Parking of Chicago for more than 20 years and founder and owner for 12 years of Red Top Valet Service.

"So he knows how to run a business and that kind of experience is more valuable than ever right now as we go through these very challenging economic times. I am confident that John's experience makes him the right person for this job and I look forward to working with him in the City Council," Daley said.

Rice is a graduate of St. William Grammar School and St. Patrick High School and attended the University of Illinois at Chicago. He has served as Chairperson of the Canty School Local School Council and as President of the Hiawatha Park Advisory Council.

He is married and has two daughters.

The mayor also thanked Alderman Banks for his many years of service on the City Council and wished him success in his future endeavors.

John A. Rice was appointed Alderman of the 36th Ward by Mayor Richard M. Daloey on October 6, 2009, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of Aldeman William J. P. Banks.

Rice is a lifelong resident of the 36th Ward. Since 2005 he had served as Aldermanic Aide to Banks.

From 1997 unti joining the Alderman's staff, Rice was a zoning inspector for the City's Department of Zoning. He has also served (1991-97) as an Engineer Rech with the Cook County Highway Department.

From 1982 to 2005 he served as General Manager of Red Top Parking of Chicago and was founder and owner (1992-2004) of Red Top Valet Service.

He is a graduate of St. William Grammar Schoool and St. Patrick High School and attended the Univerysity of Illinois at Chicago.

He has served as Chairperson of the Canty School Local School Council and as President of the Hiawatha Park Advisory Council.