Mell replaces Mell
Wednesday, Jul 24, 2013 - Posted by Rich Miller
* This was obviously wired from the very beginning…
Mayor Rahm Emanuel today named state Rep. Deb Mell to succeed her retiring father, longtime 33rd Ward Ald. Richard Mell, on the Chicago City Council.
The family succession plan, which was widely expected, will formally unfold at this morning’s council meeting. Before then, Emanuel appeared with Rep. Mell at Horner Park to announce the switch.
During brief remarks introducing Rep. Mell, Emanuel referenced the possibility that her appointment will be seen as a case of nepotism. “Others will say what they will, but while it would not be fair to appoint Deb just because her name is Mell, it would have been equally unfair to her constituents and the city to refuse to appoint her because her last name is Deb Mell,” Emanuel said.
The mayor went on to talk about Mell’s good work as a legislator, saying they have disagreed on legislation, “and that’s the type of alderman I want, somebody who has the independence and the strength and the character to speak up and speak out when she believes in something.”
* In actual reality, however, there’s very little downside to this choice…
Emanuel’s decision to write a Mell family sequel to Chicago’s long-running saga of “All in the Family” politics is unlikely to sit well with some independent voters.
It will look like a continuation of the longstanding tradition that has allowed fathers like former Ald. Anthony Laurino (39th) to handpick their daughters — like Marge Laurino — and wives — like Carrie Austin, who replaced her late husband, Ald. Lemuel Austin (34th).
[…]
Emanuel, who has long been a fan of Deb Mell, can curry favor with Chicago’s politically potent gay community with the appointment of the City Council’s first openly lesbian alderman and third openly gay alderman.
Deb Mell also burnished her credentials as a “reformer” by chairing the House Committee hearing that forced the release of ousted Metra executive Alex Clifford’s explosive report that included patronage allegations against. House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago). […]
Emanuel briefly touched on the criticism he’ll face.
“Others will say what they will, but while it would not be fair to appoint Deb just because her last name was Mell, it would have been equally unfair to her constituents and the city to refuse to appoint her because her last name was Mell.”
- Carlos Danger F/K/A Chicago Cynic - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 10:06 am:
It was an open process that produced a fair result. Right?
- Formerly Known As... - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 10:06 am:
The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Ridiculous.
- Formerly Known As... - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 10:08 am:
Carlos Danger! Love it!
Cangratulations on your Mayoral campaign, Carlos.
To the post:
when the game is this rigged it becomes difficult to retain faith in the notion of public servants “serving” anyone but themselves.
- Responsa - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 10:09 am:
Ah yes. Political Dynasties R US
- RonOglesby - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 10:10 am:
—
It was an open process that produced a fair result. Right?
—
Sure… numerous citizens from that ward were reviewed, their records reviewed, their position in the community and how their ideas matched with the community they will represent.
Oh wait, that was something else.
- Cassandra - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 10:18 am:
Who will replace her in the House, I wonder. Wouldn’t this be an opportunity for reform types in the area to weigh in.
Anyway, Mayor Rahm will have another sure vote on the City Council for his priorities. Not that he’s been having much trouble over there. Plus ca change.
- Sinister - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 10:26 am:
Nepotism should be outlawed. This is sickening.
- Arthur Andersen - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 10:27 am:
CD fka CC, great change of er, um, handle.
To the Post, did anyone expect another outcome? If so, please advise as Oswego Willy and AA have some great consulting strategies for you.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 10:29 am:
===Who will replace her in the House, I wonder.===
Committeeman Mell, the former Alderman, has the weighted vote, I believe, so it will be interesting if the Committeeman follows the wishes of the Alderman-Designate Mell to appoint a lesbian to the position, or will Committeeman Mell appoint a Latino/Latina to balance out the politcal winds in the 33rd Ward to make Alderman-Designate Mell’s re-election easier as the new Representative at the time of election can help stave off a Hispanic candidate collecting support in the Hispanic community.
Alot of “family business” can be settled with the right appointee to the General Assembly, along with an opportunity for new blood to be injected into the House, but with the same ideals and beliefs Deb Mell, state Representative brought to Springfield for the many groups she championed.
Who? I am going to be interested to see this play out…
- wordslinger - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 10:30 am:
It is what it is.
What’s insulting is Emanuel pretending that it wasn’t wired from the get-go. That betrays a very low opinion of the citizens’ intelligence.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 10:35 am:
Well, - AA -, we do have the office space thanks to Rauner’s billing …
To the Post,
I would add that Alderman-Designate Mell is going to be what Rahm says, and I am quoting from above;
“…somebody who has the independence and the strength and the character to speak up and speak out when she believes in something.”
Rahm is going to get that wish, and sometimes loudly, and hopefully for all of us, standing on her desk, waving some papers …
- Chavez-respecting Obamist - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 10:36 am:
===Who will replace her in the House, I wonder.===
Patty.
- Keyrock - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 10:39 am:
Same as it ever was. Same as it ever was.
- Meanderthal - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 10:39 am:
The final insult will be when Patti is appointed to fill Deb’s seat in the General Assembly.
These people are without shame.
- David P. Graf - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 10:50 am:
If Deb Mell doesn’t understand that nepotism is more dangerous to Illinois than her absence from the City Council, then she’s part of the problem too.
- Just Observing - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 10:56 am:
I don’t think Mell has a plurality vote on the state rep appointment, just a strong majority (close to 50 percent).
I believe Ald. (Dick) Mell has indicated he wants his aide Jaime Andrade.
- Loop Lady - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 10:56 am:
This is the Mell family pay back for all their work for the public good including Blago…
- dang - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 11:03 am:
Meritocracies are for losers. We do things right!
- Been There - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 11:07 am:
===I believe Ald. (Dick) Mell has indicated he wants his aide Jaime Andrade.===
http://voices.suntimes.com/early-and-often/hispanic-caucus-wont-pressure-rahm-to-appoint-hispanic-replacement-for-retiring-ald-richard-mell-33rd/
- Joan P. - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 11:13 am:
@ Oswego Willy: “it will be interesting if the Committeeman follows the wishes of the Alderman-Designate Mell to appoint a lesbian to the position, or will Committeeman Mell appoint a Latino/Latina to balance out the politcal winds ”
Why not both? It shouldn’t be terribly difficult to find a qualified Latina lesbian.
- ZC - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 11:14 am:
Here I think Russ Stewart probably has it right: whether a strong Latino/a candidate emerges to run against her in 2015, will be the whole ballgame whether the Mell Dynasty continues on the North side.
- A guy... - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 11:15 am:
There was a time not so long ago where this would not even be “news”. As slow as it is, I guess it’s progress.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 11:15 am:
I think that is what makes this whole process from this point forward, interesting…
The Mell “move” for the slot in the City Council was telegraphed, but its the other shoe drop that has my attention.
Will it be the long-time aide?
Will it be an outside Hispanic?
Will it be a lesbian?
Will Committeeman Mell look beyond his Aide if there is pressure to do so?
Will Alderman-Designate Mell be disappointed if the Aide gets the nod?
This move … the General Assembly appointment, is the move that is the most telling, and the most interesting.
- langhorne - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 11:19 am:
as paul green always said, chgo politicians are sent to spfld for training or punishment, until they can become alderman or county commissioner or run for a county office
- TJ - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 11:20 am:
Look, they did their due deligence and conducted an exhaustive search process for who to replace Mell.
… too bad the “Are you related to the retiring alderman?” was worth 99.998% of the total consideration.
- Mokenavince - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 11:29 am:
Camelot is alive and well in Chicago with King Rahm passing out Knighthoods . Have a mom or dad who were elected and you too will Knighted. This all started about a century ago. Think of the Cullerton’s,Daley’s,Madigan’s,Burke’s,Stroger’s the beat goes on.
- William j Kelly - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 11:35 am:
Lets put partisan politics aside people, don’t you just feel great to live in a city where a women who dispite being a member of one of the most corrupt families in chicago history can be appointed to the most corrupt elected body by the most corrupt of mayors? Lets just take a moment to apreciate this wonderful accomplishment!
- John A Logan - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 11:36 am:
Illinois deserves the reputation that it has. This state is a disgrace, over and over and over and over and over again….
- FoxValleyPride1 - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 11:36 am:
Is a Chicago Alderman’s pay substantially more than that of a State Rep? Because I can’t figure out why someone would want to go from voting on important issues (like Mell’s signature cause of equality in marriage) to fixing potholes and parking tickets. Seems like a step down to me.
- AFSCME Steward - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 11:40 am:
I’m not sure if “qualified” is a necessity in this case.
“Why not both? It shouldn’t be terribly difficult to find a qualified Latina lesbian”
- Just Me - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 11:41 am:
I find it interesting that Deb Mell decried the political shenanigans at Metra, but that same way of doing things is what made her Alderman.
I don’t entirely blame the Mayor, I’m sure the Mell family moved to avoid any “real” candidates submitted their names for consideration. I blame the Mell family for forgetting that when people run for public office they run for a term and are expected to fill out that term unless they have a personal situation that demands they create a vacancy. Wanting to spend more time with your grandchildren is NOT a valid excuse.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 11:45 am:
I guess Deb showed her colors w LGBT community by bailing before she and the GA passed the marriage equality bill.
“I’m a reformer. I stand for civil rights…er gee Mr. Mayor, sure, I’d accept that aldermanic appointment. Thanks Dad.”
All of the action for gay marriage is at the state and local level. I hope someone who cares about that issue takes her on.
It would have been a profile in courage to stick around Springfield to get the job done, rather than take the job with the shorter commute.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 11:46 am:
- FoxValleyPride1 -,
Alderman make quite a bit more than state Reps, use the search engine of your choice to get the real money differences, but to make a sharper point to who fits where;
Aldermen MAKE General Assembly members, not the other way around …
- Joan P. -,
- AFSCME Steward - is on Point; as I listed, and so many others have, the qualities that Deb Mell would like to see, or even what the 33rd Ward could see as thier state Reperesentative, other “qualifications” are going to be greater, but a bonus would be a lesbian latina. In the mix of this, however, it might be a huge “ask”, given the landscape of the decider(s), and the goals that are wnated to be met …
- doomed in illinois - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 11:46 am:
I’ve never understood people who run for office then just decide that they want to do something else. Serve the term you were elected for. If you want to quit, don’t run again.
- NW Illinois Democrat - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 11:48 am:
The Mell appointment is yet another reason the rest of America shakes its head at Illinois. It’s disgusting. What are we - a monarchy here? Nauseating — and nothing changes.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 11:49 am:
===Aldermen MAKE General Assembly members, not the other way around …===
lol, my bad …
Ward Committeemen MAKE Aldermen, and they also Make members of the General Assmebly…
Apologies to Speaker Madigan for one on this … um, “error”…
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 11:50 am:
=== What are we - a monarchy here? ===
Oh, take a breath already.
- Just Observing - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 11:55 am:
=== Is a Chicago Alderman’s pay substantially more than that of a State Rep? Because I can’t figure out why someone would want to go from voting on important issues (like Mell’s signature cause of equality in marriage) to fixing potholes and parking tickets. Seems like a step down to me. ===
As Oswego Willy pointed out… yes they make more… about $30,000 more.
Additionally, she will no longer have to drive to Springfield and will have a larger staff.
- Sir Reel - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 11:59 am:
The problem with all these political dynasties is that there’s not enough children in the families. With some more Mell kids we could have an Alderman Mell, a Representative Mell, a Senator Mell, a Congressman Mell and so on.
- FoxValleyPride1 - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 12:03 pm:
Willy - Sorry, being a suburbanite (from your neck of the woods, by the way) I guess I’m just seeing this through suburban eyes. Here in suburbia, people run for municipal office in hopes that it will lead to a state-level office. Not the other way around. I suppose Chicago would be different.
- Carlos Danger F/K/A Chicago Cynic - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 12:06 pm:
OW,
You’re absolutely right - the interesting question here will be her replacement in the ILGA. I’m sure Deb was bummed to leave before marriage equality is done, but I have to assume her replacement will be a solid yes on the issue as well.
- Chavez-respecting Obamist - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 12:09 pm:
All snark aside, I think the worst thing you can say about this is she’s replacing her father. I hope she’s as independent as the mayor says she is. I doubt it but I’m willing to wait and see.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 12:11 pm:
- FoxValleyPride1 -,
Next time you are rolling west on 34 or 71 in Oswego, wave, I’ll wave back, promise…
To your point,
Hierarchy is the name of the game in the City.
John Daley, Joe Berrios, back in the day a Tom Hynes, or John Stroger, Mike Madigan, the list goes on and on …Committeemen
Committeemen deciding on what is best for the Ward(s), and what is best politically for them, (County Boards, Aldermen, General Assmebly, County-Wide).
Check out “Boss” by Royko, or “American Pharoah” by Cohen and Taylor are two of my favorites, but I am sure Prof. Paul Green, Rich Miller, - wordslinger -, and the list goes on and on, have much better books or references to give ya as to how the hierarchy works/did work/kinda works…
My two cents, others I am sure have better works, but those tow for me are a good start …
- Formerly Known As... - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 12:33 pm:
=== Serve the term you were elected for. If you want to quit, don’t run again. ===
But that would leave the process of electing public officials up to the public.
We can’t have that now, can we?
- Wensicia - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 1:20 pm:
If you bring up that it’s not nepotism as to why, it’s nepotism.
I don’t think anyone should be allowed to retire unless a severe medical or family emergency occurs. This waltzing away in order to place a relative or favored acquaintance in your place, without them having to work for it through the election process, is wrong.
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 1:22 pm:
===I don’t think anyone should be allowed to retire ===
Um, what?
Even Chicago aldermen have rights.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 1:27 pm:
To those questioning Deb Mell’s commitment to the SSM debate, and the issues in Springfield, and the “bailing out” on the working for the passage;
It would be very shocking to think Deb Mell would be replaced by a “no” vote for SSM; further, as a lesbian in the City Council, working with Ald. Tunney, as she worked with Rep. Harris, the community she has worked hard for now has another advocate in the Chicago City Council, and will not lose a “yes” vote (probably) to the SSM Bill stuck in the Illinois House.
the community is gaining more power and influence, just open you eyes and see the big picture for a moment…Yikes!
- OldSmoky2 - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 1:38 pm:
I gotta say that if Dick Mell had served out his term and Deb had run to replace him, she would have been an overwhelming favorite to win. People who know her know that she is honest and works really hard to represent the people in her district. Emanuel may rue the day he appointed her because she does think for herself. She has the courage to back that up, too - I was there when she first came to public attention by getting arrested for sitting down in the middle of the street in front of Daley Plaza to protest the county’s refusal to issue marriage licenses to gay and lesbian couples. It was a gutsy, spur of the moment move that inspired a lot of people. And, finally, don’t forget that when she announced her first run for state rep, it didn’t make her dad real happy since he already had one of his allies in that seat.
- Precinct Captain - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 1:44 pm:
==The Mell appointment is yet another reason the rest of America shakes its head at Illinois. It’s disgusting. What are we - a monarchy here? Nauseating — and nothing changes.==
Yeah, this has never happened anywhere else in America.
==Is a Chicago Alderman’s pay substantially more than that of a State Rep? Because I can’t figure out why someone would want to go from voting on important issues (like Mell’s signature cause of equality in marriage) to fixing potholes and parking tickets. Seems like a step down to me.==
Regarding aldermanic pay, it is a significant difference. Aldermen make over $100,000 per year, state reps base pay is less than $70,000.
http://illinoispolicy.org/blog/blog.asp?ArticleSource=5398
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-01-30/news/ct-met-chicago-aldermen-salaries-20120130_1_aldermen-furlough-unpaid-days
- anon - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 1:48 pm:
not even willing to consider a good government alternative. I wish to take back my vote for mayor. just bone-tired of this–even if it means nothing.
- West Side the Best Side - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 3:06 pm:
“In honour of the birth of the future king in London yesterday and in tribute to our British founders, I hereby annoint Deb Mell alderman of her father’s duchy.” Rahm I.
- dave - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 3:21 pm:
For all of those complaining about the appointment of Deb Mell, who was your preferred alternative choice? Which candidate would you have supported, and why? Was there a better, more qualified candidate interested in the position than Deb Mell?
- mokenavince - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 3:23 pm:
We should move the Capitol to Chicago. Then everyone can stay close the money.
Dinner on Rush, live near Oak Street beach.
Corporate boxes for everyone in the GA and GUV at Sox,Cub’s,Bear.s,Bull’S and Blackhawk games. Now that’s livin large
- Loop Lady - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 4:00 pm:
Vince: you have to admit the restaurants are so much better…
- mells dick - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 7:09 pm:
John c. D’Amico will take laurino’s spot when she leaves. Same thing. Mob family and real family.
- Roman Umpire - Wednesday, Jul 24, 13 @ 9:42 pm:
=== because her last name is Deb Mell,” Emanuel said.===
What a nitwit. I guess that makes her Deb Deb Mell.