Ald. Richard Mell Submits His Resignation

By Samantha Abernethy in News on Jul 3, 2013 8:20PM

Longtime Alderman Dick Mell (33rd) has submitted his letter of resignation and will step down from his post on July 24. Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced that he accepted Mell's resignation, and there will be "an open process to select his replacement."

Eligible residents of the 33rd Ward may submit credentials for consideration between 9 a.m. on Friday, July 5 and 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 11. According to the mayor's office, the new alderman will be sworn in at the City Council meeting on July 24.

“I am looking for a candidate with a strong background, solid ties to the community, and a willingness to tackle the tough issues facing Chicagoans,” said Mayor Emanuel.

In January the Sun-Times reported that Mell planned to retire and that his daughter state Rep. Deb Mell was expected to replace him. Ald. Mell responded by telling ABC7 that he wasn't retiring, saying, "Sometime, maybe, but not in the next couple of months, no."

Today must be "sometime" because the 74-year-old lawmaker is really stepping down this time after nearly 40 years. The Tribune writes:

“I think that my time has arrived for me to spend more time with the grandkids,” Mell told the Tribune today. Asked about his daughter as his replacement, Mell would only say “it’s up to the mayor.”

Read Mell's letter of resignation below.

Ald. Dick Mell submits letter of resignation