Officials in Harvey and throughout Cook County remembered Harvey Mayor Christopher Clark as a person committed to service, following news Friday of his death.
A statement from the city confirmed the mayor’s passing and extended condolences to Clark’s family, loved ones and all members of the Harvey community. Workers hung black and purple bunting Friday afternoon at the City Hall.
Fifth Ward Ald. Dominique Randle-El said Clark was a friend and a mentor.
“I certainly wasn’t prepared for it,” Randle-El said. “It’s a tremendous loss to the city of Harvey.”
A spokesperson for the city said no other details are available at this time and that the family has requested privacy. The city’s statement said services and operations remain in place, and the city continues to serve residents without interruption.
A special City Council meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Monday at Harvey City Hall, 15320 Broadway Ave., to determine an acting mayor.
Clark was first elected as mayor of Harvey in 2019, and reelected in 2023.
Clark did not attend a City Council meeting Jan. 12, the first held in two months, with Randle-El chairing the meeting in his place. A council meeting scheduled for this past Monday was canceled that afternoon.
Randle-El defended the mayor Jan. 12 against residents’ comments that Clark was avoiding the public, saying for all the audience knew the mayor could be dealing with sickness or a loss in his family.
“He’s not running, he’s not hiding, he’s not afraid,” Randle-El said. “He’s human.”
All scheduled City Council meetings in November and December were canceled with little explanation from the city.
Clark was guiding Harvey through a period of major financial difficulty. The City Council voted unanimously in October to declare the city financially distressed and apply for state relief. More than 40% of the city’s workforce was furloughed indefinitely shortly after.
Clark ran as a reformer in 2019, aiming to replace outgoing Mayor Eric Kellogg, who had been prevented from running for reelection by term limits. Kellogg’s tenure as mayor was marked by scandals, including the disappearance of millions in bond money meant for hotel construction, that Clark later said left Harvey in an inescapable financial crisis.
However, criticism of Clark’s administration had grown louder in recent months amid the city’s financial struggles, with residents accusing him of lacking transparency and some calling for his resignation.
As there were fewer than 28 months remaining in Clark’s term, once an acting mayor is selected, that person will serve out the remainder of his term. The seat will be up for election at the next regularly scheduled municipal election in April 2027.
Second Ward Ald. Colby Chapman, a vocal opponent of Clark, previously stated her intention to challenge him for the mayor’s office in the next election.
Several elected officials issued statements on Clark’s death Friday.
“I want to extend my heartfelt condolences and prayers to his family, friends, supporters, and to the city of Harvey,” said Cook County Commissioner Kisha McCaskill, whose district includes Harvey, in a statement.
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle offered condolences on behalf of the county government.
“Mayor Clark dedicated his life to public service and to the people of Harvey, leading with resilience, a deep sense of commitment and integrity,” Preckwinkle said in a statement. “Since taking office in 2019, he worked hard to move the city forward and address the challenges facing the south suburbs with care and determination.”
Dolton Mayor Jason House issued a statement on behalf of himself and the Dolton Village Board.
“May Mayor Christopher J. Clark rest in eternal peace, and may his life of service continue to inspire those who choose the path of public leadership,” House said.
elewis@chicagotribune.com
