Joe Moore
Chicago Alderman, 49th Ward
Although Joe Moore has been the alderman of Chicago's 49th Ward for the past 25 years, he did not begin his career as alderman.
Moore first began working doing maintenance for the landlord of his family's apartment building at the age of 7. Moore was responsible for collecting garbage, vacuuming, mopping, and doing yard work.
"It taught me responsibility, discipline, how to do a good job," says Moore. "
When Moore turned 16, he got a job as a stock boy at a paint store, where he was later promoted to the paint department. At this job, he was responsible for mixing paint and measuring and cutting window shades.
"My first job had nothing to do with what I wanted a career in," says Moore, "but I was blessed to always know I wanted to go into politics. This is where I belong."