Des Plaines welcomes new mayor, aldermen, clerk

Amid tears, cheers and standing ovations, Des Plaines residents bid farewell Monday night to outgoing Mayor Tony Arredia, four aldermen and the longest serving city clerk, and welcomed new leaders.

The changing of the guard was unlike anything the city has seen in years with so many experienced elected officials being ousted at the same time by voter-approved term limits.

Arredia, 1st Ward Alderman Patricia Beauvais, 3rd Ward Alderman Laura Murphy, 5th Ward Alderman Carla Brookman, 7th Ward Alderman Don Smith, and City Clerk Donna McAllister thanked residents and supporters who stood by them over the years.

Beauvais, who served as alderman for 16 years, said the city council consumed a large part of her life taking time away from her family.

"Now, you've got me all to yourself," she said tearfully to her kids in the audience.

Arredia said working with the aldermen wasn't always easy because they did not see eye-to-eye at all times. Yet, despite disagreements, Arredia acknowledged they were parting as good friends who did their best to serve the community.

"The city of Des Plaines is saying goodbye to four great aldermen in my opinion," he said.

Arredia was an 8th Ward alderman for six years before being appointed mayor Jan. 5, 2000, after previous mayor, Paul W. Jung, died in October 1999. Arredia finished Jung's term and was elected in April 2001. He said he doesn't plan to quit working altogether after leaving office.

"The word retirement does not exist in my vocabulary and I'll find something to do," Arredia said. "I am not the sit in the backyard watch the grass grow kind of person."

City officials honored the contributions of all six elected officials with parting gifts.

The first of two standing ovations of the night came when Arredia recognized clerk McAllister's years of service with a crystal vase.

"Thank you for 27 years of memories," McAllister said fighting back tears. "God bless you all."

Cook County Circuit Court Associate Judge Mathias Delort administered the oath of office to new City Clerk Gloria Ludwig, three aldermen, and Mayor Martin Moylan.

"It's an honor to follow in the footsteps of Mayor Tony Arredia," Moylan said. "Tony has truly been a people's mayor. I am proud to be his successor and look forward to carrying on his tradition of service."

Moylan's first act as mayor was to appoint business owner John Robinson to fill the seat he vacated in the 2nd Ward. The new city council must still approve the appointment.

Patricia Haugeberg, 59, was seated as 1st Ward alderman. Matt Bogusz, 22, was sworn in as 3rd Ward alderman, and James Brookman, 58, replaced his wife, Carla Brookman, as 5th Ward alderman.

Dan Wilson, 64, a retired schoolteacher who replaces Smith in the 7th Ward, was not present and will be sworn in at the next city council meeting.