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photo by steed media service
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Executive Assistant, Mayor Daley
The city of Chicago is lucky to have people in high places who serve as
voices for the community. Assisting Mayor Richard M. Daley is no easy
task, but Sean Harden, executive assistant to the Mayor, is up to the
challenge. “I have the opportunity to be a liaison to the African
American community,” explains Harden. “In that role, I get to interface
with a number of people.” More than that, Harden operates as a conduit
between all of Chicago’s hard-working citizens and the most powerful
man in the city.
“Working with the mayor is the exciting part,” says Harden. “The most
challenging thing is [there are] so many demands throughout the city.
You have to prioritize which one to do first. He’s a man that requires
you to always be on your toes no matter what.” Harden has been more
than up to the day-to-day challenges in Chicago, and encourages
citizens to be aware of what’s happening in their city and their
community. “If you’re not at the table and aren’t aware of the issues
going in the community, you just react to them instead of becoming part
of the solution,” he advises.
Having been in Chicago his entire life, Harden takes a special joy in
being help his neighbors. “At the end of the day, when someone has
reached out [with] an issue or challenge or desire to do something,
I’ve been able to help them along the way. My value is judged by the
number of people I’m able to help,” explains Harden. “[I love] the
friendliness, and the ability to relate across the board. It’s a very
diverse city — you can have just about any flavor you want!” – todd williams
