Moylan steps down as Des Plaines mayor

Des Plaines Mayor Marty Moylan resigned Monday night, but the special meeting he called so aldermen could name an acting mayor was not held because only two aldermen attended.

Moylan resigned because next week he will start representing the 55th state House District. The special meeting was called for New Year's Eve to keep his promise of resigning in 2012, the mayor said. He had planned to do it earlier in the month, but his rehabilitation from a knee replacement surgery forced a postponement. He said Monday was his first day of walking without a cane.

Moylan thanked the residents of Des Plaines for the privilege of serving as mayor and said he was proud of the city.

“The beauty of Des Plaines is in its residents,” said Moylan. “You make our city a fine place to grow up in, to raise a family in, and to mature in.”

Aldermen have indicated they want to appoint Dan Wilson of the Seventh Ward acting mayor, Moylan said. They will select an acting mayor at the regularly scheduled Jan. 7 city council meeting unless they decide to meet sooner, he said. The person, who must come from the ranks of aldermen, will serve until the new mayor is installed after the April election.

Two aldermen are on the ballot in the April mayoral election: Matt Bogusz of the Third Ward and Mark Walsten of the Sixth Ward. Former Mayor Tony Arredia is also seeking the office.

Bogusz and John Robinson of the Second Ward were the only members of the council who came for the special meeting.