Fri. January 4, 2013
Chicago, IL -
State Rep. Deb Mell (D-Chicago) may become Chicago's first openly lesbian alderman, following reports that her father - 33rd Ward Ald. Richard Mell - is preparing to step down in the next few months.
The Chicago Sun-Times reported that Mell - the powerful chairman of the City Council's Rules Committee and father-in-law of convicted former Gov. Rod Blagojevich - may step down after 38 years as a Chicago alderman.
Mell reportedly wants his daughter Deb to replace him and has persuaded Mayor Rahm Emanuel to appoint her to replace him in the City Council.
Deb Mell, who is a chief proponent of gay marriage in Illinois, was - according to the Sun-Times - reluctant to accept a mayoral appointment. She would become the third openly gay member of City Council, joining Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) and James Cappleman (46th).
"Representative Mell has served the Illinois General Assembly well. Although we are sad to see Alderman Mell leave the Chicago City Council, I am sure Representative Mell will continue her father's rich tradition of serving the best interests of the people of the 33rd ward," Rick Garcia of The Civil Rights Agenda said in a released statement.
UPDATE Fri. January 4, 2013 11:14 AM: Ald. Richard Mell calls the Chicago Sun-Times report "premature."
"I haven't made any decision, and I may not make a decision (to retire)," Mell told the Chicago Tribune.
The North Side Alderman confirmed that he would like to see his daughter succeed him when he does retire.
Rick Garcia told the Tribune that the TCRA press release was based on the Sun-Times report and said Deb Mell had not confirmed the move.
UPDATE Fri. January 4, 2013 1:15 PM: State Rep. Deb Mell (D-Chicago) tweeted this afternoon, "Whereas I am truly honored to receive so many wonderful messages, I am 100% focused and love my job as State Rep of the 40th district."
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