City Council Veterans Eager To Get "Fresh Ideas" From Rookie Aldermen
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Veteran members on the Chicago City Council said they welcome changes that 13 new aldermen might usher in as they begin their new terms in office this week.
Wednesday's City Council meeting will be the first votes for 13 aldermen who were newly elected earlier this year; and many of them consider themselves progressives, or were backed by unions against candidates favored by Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
Ald. Deb Mell (33rd), who was appointed to the Council in 2013, expects the newcomers to make an impact at City Hall.
"I think they're going to come in with some fresh ideas, and they all come from different perspectives, and I hope they feel like they can voice their opinion, and have an impact on City Council," she said.
Mell also said she's glad she no longer is the youngest alderman in Chicago. That honor is now held by 26-year-old Carlos Ramirez-Rosa.
Ald. Margaret Laurino (39th), who has been on the City Council since 1995, said she expects more give and take with the mayor.
"I think that we're going to have more conversations, I think that they're going to be more engaging, and considering the very difficult issues that we need to address here and now, I think that's going to be important," she said.
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City Clerk Susana Mendoza, who calls the roll and keeps the records of the City Council, said new blood is good.
"I think it is important to have turnover. It's people's decisions in terms of how they want to participate in the democratic process, and I think that the mayor – without a shadow of a doubt, in my mind, and knowing this mayor – is very much looking forward to collaborating, and hearing, and listening to different voices in the City Council. So I think this is a good thing," she said.
