4 city workers fired, placed on Do Not Hire list accuse Ronnie Reese, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's ex-top aide, of retaliation

CHICAGO (WLS) — As the daughter of two Chicago police officers, public service was a natural fit for Azhley Rodriguez.

Securing a position in Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s press office had long been a cherished aspiration for Rodriquez. However, this dream job turned sour when Rodriquez was abruptly dismissed from the Brandon Johnson administration and added to a blacklist of undesirable hires.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

“It completely ruined a future I would have, so it’s not fair to me. And for the people behind me, it’s not fair to them either,” Rodriguez said.

Alongside Rodriquez, three other former members of Johnson’s press team also faced the same fate of termination and inclusion on the “Do Not Hire” register. Despite this drastic action, these ex-employees claim they were never provided with a concrete explanation for being blacklisted.

“I think it was retaliation,” Rodriguez said.

Their prevailing belief revolves around a suspicion of retribution orchestrated by Ronnie Reese, the former communications director under Johnson. Historical documents reveal that these former staff members had raised concerns about Reese’s alleged misconduct, which purportedly encompassed instances of harassment, sexism, and racism.

“I witnessed the different treatment of male and female staffers,” said former Mayoral Director of Digital Strategy Josué Ortiz.

In a statement, Reese denies all the allegations. He was fired in October and not placed on the “Do Not Hire” list.

Some of the former fired staffers brought their concerns about Reese last year to the mayor’s chief of staff, Christina Pacione-Zayas. They say she suggested peace circles and restorative justice to solve the issues with Reese.

On Monday, Johnson denied knowing about the allegations against Reese until last week, when his office received a Freedom of Information Act request for a copy of Reese’s personnel film. Some alderpersons doubt it.

“I don’t see how the mayor could not know about this,” said 38th Ward Ald. Scott Waguespack.

“The mayor says he didn’t know about it. There will some FOIA requests to determine whether or not that is true,” said 36th Ward Ald. Gil Villegas.

The four former employees have been taken off the “Do Not Hire” list following an appeal. But it took over a year.

The Do Not Hire List is usually reserved for ex-employees who accused of serious misconduct or crimes.

Copyright © 2024 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like
What's the Deal With All These 'Mystery Drones' Being Spotted Over New Jersey?

Understanding the Situation of the ‘Mystery Drones’ Spotted Above New Jersey

A mystery is unfolding in the skies over central New Jersey, and…
The top 100 baby names in England and Wales REVEALED - as Muhammad becomes the most popular boy name

“Discover the Top 100 Baby Names in England and Wales: Muhammad Takes the Lead for Boys”

Muhammad is now the most popular name for baby boys in England…
Police piece together shooting suspect's escape route after UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson killed outside New York Hilton

Law enforcement reconstructs the path taken by the shooting suspect following the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson near the New York Hilton.

NEW YORK — Police searching for the suspected killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO…
R.I.P. Scott L. Schwartz: ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ Actor And Wrestler Dead At 65

Passing of Scott L. Schwartz: Actor and Wrestler Known for ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ at Age 65

Scott L. Schwartz, a former professional wrestler known for his roles in…
UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's assassination in New York City raises questions over private security for executives

“Exploring the Impact of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s Tragic Death on Executive Security Measures in New York City”

NEW YORK (WLS) — It’s a matter of life or death for…
'A Real Pain,' 'English Teacher' among Independent Spirit Award nominees

Independent Spirit Award nominations include ‘A Real Pain’ and ‘English Teacher’

LOS ANGELES — Film Independent has announced its nominations for the 40th…
Jeff Bezos goes MAGA as Amazon billionaire gushes over 'calmer, more confident' president-elect and pledges to 'help him' in second term

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos praises President-elect Biden and promises to support him during his second term in office

Jeff Bezos said Wednesday he is ‘optimistic’ about President-elect Donald Trump´s second…
Trump eyeing Ron DeSantis for defense secretary pick | Reporter Replay

Trump considering Ron DeSantis for the position of defense secretary | Recap

Trump considering Ron DeSantis as a potential choice for defense secretary |…
Disturbing surveillance video shows moment UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot outside hotel

Witness describes chilling actions of UnitedHealthcare CEO gunman

A bystander to the early morning assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson…
Disturbing surveillance video shows moment UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot outside hotel

Alarming footage captures the moment UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot outside a hotel

Surveillance video obtained by DailyMail.com has revealed the shocking moment when UnitedHealthcare…
Assassin's three chilling words on bullets left behind after shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO in brazen Manhattan attack

The frightening message left by the assassin after shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO in bold Manhattan assault.

Detectives investigating the murder of UnitedHealthCare CEO Brian Thompson reportedly found shell…
NEW: As People In NC Are Living in Tents in the Cold, Biden Pledges More Money Overseas

UPDATED: Biden Promises More Funding Abroad as North Carolina Residents Forced to Live in Cold Tents

On Tuesday, it was mentioned that Joe Biden pledged one billion dollars…