State Rep. Deb Mell remains focused on Illinois House
Fri. January 4, 2013 3:09 PM by GoPride.com News Staff
deb mell (right) married christin baker in 2011
Ald. Richard Mell calls Sun-Times report "premature"
Chicago, IL -
State Rep. Deb Mell (D-Chicago) is staying in the Illinois House despite a Chicago Sun-Times report to the contrary.
"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," Mell tweeted on Friday afternoon.
The Chicago Sun-Times reported Friday morning that Alderman Richard 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.
Deb Mell, who is a chief proponent of gay marriage in Illinois, was - according to the Sun-Times - going to accept an appointment from Mayor Rahm Emanuel to succeed her father in the City Council.
If that were the case, Deb Mell would become the first openly lesbian alderman and the third openly gay member of City Council, joining Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) and James Cappleman (46th).
Ald. Mell called the Chicago Sun-Times report "premature."
"I've been retiring for the past five years. ... This [report] is premature. I haven't made any decision, and I may not make a decision (to retire)," he told the Chicago Tribune late Friday morning.
The North Side Alderman did confirm to the Tribune that he would like to see his daughter succeed him when he does retire. Mell has served the 33rd Ward for 38 years.
"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," Mell tweeted on Friday afternoon.
The Chicago Sun-Times reported Friday morning that Alderman Richard 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.
Deb Mell, who is a chief proponent of gay marriage in Illinois, was - according to the Sun-Times - going to accept an appointment from Mayor Rahm Emanuel to succeed her father in the City Council.
If that were the case, Deb Mell would become the first openly lesbian alderman and the third openly gay member of City Council, joining Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) and James Cappleman (46th).
Ald. Mell called the Chicago Sun-Times report "premature."
"I've been retiring for the past five years. ... This [report] is premature. I haven't made any decision, and I may not make a decision (to retire)," he told the Chicago Tribune late Friday morning.
The North Side Alderman did confirm to the Tribune that he would like to see his daughter succeed him when he does retire. Mell has served the 33rd Ward for 38 years.