Bogusz appoints former alderman to replace Sojka on Des Plaines council
Former longtime Des Plaines Alderman Don Smith could return to his old 7th ward seat following 29-year-old Alderman Joanna Sojka's sudden death last month.
Mayor Matt Bogusz on Monday announced Smith's appointment, which requires the approval of a majority of the city's seven aldermen to take effect.
Sojka, a first-term alderman, died Aug. 18 of an apparent stroke. Services were held last week.
"It's been a hard couple weeks," Bogusz said Monday in his city hall office. "The city's been dealing with an emotional situation. ... Our next step has to be, we're doing right by the city."
Bogusz said he was looking for someone who had similar qualities as Sojka: good temperament, respected by the community, and able to dissect and analyze an issue. And as the city council prepares for its 2015 budget discussions this fall, "now's not the time for a wild card" appointee, he said.
The mayor said Smith approached every issue with an open mind during his tenure on the council from 1997 to 2009, and brings institutional knowledge that will help the city avoid mistakes in the future.
"He took a very professional approach to the council, and I think that's something I want to support and preserve with our council members," Bogusz said.
The mayor said he and Smith don't agree on every issue, and that he didn't give Smith a "litmus test". Part of the reason why he picked Smith was because he's "not a crusader on any issue," Bogusz said.
Smith, 56, who owns a Niles law practice, served a total of three 4-year terms on the council. During his first term, voters approved rules limiting elected officials to serving no more than two consecutive terms. That meant he was allowed to run for re-election in 2001 and 2005, but forced to step down in 2009.
Smith said Monday he is "99 percent" sure he will run for election next April to serve the remaining two years on Sojka's term.
Looking back on his tenure as alderman, Smith said he enjoyed the "give and take" and decision making process during city council meetings, which were often contentious.
"I was never part of cliques. I tried to be independent and have an open mind," Smith said. "I think my reputation was very even tempered. I was elected without any agenda. If approved, I'm not coming in with a preconceived agenda."
The council is expected to vote on the appointment next Monday. If approved, Smith would be able to join the council that night. If Smith isn't approved, Bogusz would have 30 days to make another appointment. If the council rejects that person, then Bogusz would be allowed to pick either of the two appointees, without council approval, according to state statute.
Bogusz said he would be having one-on-one conversations with aldermen this week to garner their support for his appointment.