Wed. July 24, 2013
Chicago, IL -
Former state Rep. Deb Mell was officially sworn in as Alderman of Chicago's 33rd Ward on Wednesday.
Earlier in the day, Mayor Rahm Emanuel named Mell to succeed her retiring father on the Chicago City Council.
After nearly 40 years, Ald. Richard Mell, 74, announced his resignation which became effective today.
Deb Mell, 44, becomes the council's first out lesbian and third openly LGBT alderman in Chicago, after Alds. Tom Tunney and James Cappleman. In 2010, Mell and her partner, Christin Baker, were married in Iowa and she has remained a strong advocate for same-sex marriage in Illinois. Mell was diagnosed with breast cancer last year.
During a morning press conference, Mayor Emanuel said Mell will be "breaking glass ceilings" as the council's first lesbian member.
"I can't be happier to bring both Deb and Christin and welcome them in as members of the City Council," said Emanuel. He added that the couple would bring diversity and experience to "represent the whole city and give voice to it."
Emanuel noted Mell's accomplishments as state representative, a position she held since 2009.
"I'm completely committed to demonstrating to every member and every resident of the 33rd Ward that I am ready to serve and work tirelessly on their behalf," said Mell, who was joined this morning by Baker. " I love this area. I grew up here. I learned to drive a car on these streets, ride a bike on these streets."
Ald. Bob Fioretti was the only member of the council to vote against Mell's appointment, according to ABC7 Chicago. Mell will serve out the remainder of her father's term, which ends in 2015.
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