Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced Wednesday that he has chosen state Rep. Deb Mell to replace her father Ald. Dick Mell (33rd) on the City Council.
Dick Mell, 74, announced earlier this month he was retiring after nearly four decades as an alderman effective Wednesday.
Though 12 candidates applied for the post, the younger Mell was widely anticipated to be the mayor’s choice. In a statement, Emanuel said “Deb brings a strong legislative and voting record and a unique level of experience to the role, which separated her from other candidates for the position, and will allow her to immediately be able to make a strong impact on behalf of the residents of the 33rd Ward.”
He further noted, according to ABC Chicago, that Deb Mell was never guaranteed the appointment because of her family ties — but was not disqualified on account of them.
Deb Mell, who will become Chicago’s first openly lesbian alderman and is also the sister-in-law of convicted former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, is expected to be formally sworn in at Wednesday’s City Council meeting, according to the Chicago Tribune.
About Post Author
