Sneed exclusive: Is the longstanding headache involving Cook County hiring prohibition about to end?

Sneed has learned Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has filed a motion in federal court seeking to end the constraints placed on her ability to hire employees imposed by the legendary 50-year-old Shakman decree lawsuit.

“This is a significant moment for Cook County and I’m grateful to those who have made this momentous accomplishment possible,” said Preckwinkle, who added that the motion is also being joined by the Shakman plaintiffs.

The hearing on the motion will be held on Oct. 31.

Backshot: In 1972, Cook County entered into a consent decree that prohibited it from politically discriminating against county employees. The lawsuit was originally filed to prevent political patronage hiring in the county.

“When I took office, I made clear that we needed to reform and reshape Cook County government and that included professionalizing the county’s employment practices in an accountable and transparent way,” said Preckwinkle.