Meet Emanuel's new foe at the teachers union

[Omaha Steve]

X post in Labor

http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20141015/NEWS02/141019899/meet-emanuels-new-foe-at-the-teachers-union




Jesse Sharkey stands behind Karen Lewis as she addresses the media during the 2012 strike.
Via Google Images

By Paul Merrion October 15, 2014

Expect a change in tone and style but not in direction from Jesse Sharkey, newly named acting president of the Chicago Teachers Union.

The union's vice president and No. 2 leader is filling in for President Karen Lewis while she recovers from surgery and upcoming chemotherapy for a cancerous brain tumor, which also took her out of the running for mayor.

From the bargaining table to the picket line, he's been at her side as a strategic adviser, internal troubleshooter and the policy wonk behind her free-wheeling, sharp-tongued commentary.

“She often jokingly calls me her work husband,” said Mr. Sharkey, a native of rural Maine who lives in Rogers Park with his wife and two children, who attend Chicago public elementary schools. “I stand behind her in a suit and crack up at her jokes, (allowing) her to be expressive and talk in classic Karen style.”

FULL story at link.

[yallerdawg]

1. Best hopes and wishes for Karen Lewis.

Hope Jesse Sharkey will hold the line.