Chicago City Council honors ex-alderman Mell

Chicago City Council members are paying tribute to former alderman Dick Mell.

Mell retired this summer after spending nearly four decades representing the city’s 33rd Ward.

During Wednesday’s tribute, aldermen took turns recalling moments of Mell’s career.

Alderman Ed Burke presented a photograph of the most defining moment: the time Mell jumped up on his desk in 1987 to make a point while his colleagues were choosing a successor for former Mayor Harold Washington.

Mell was replaced on the council by his daughter, former state Rep. Deborah Mell.

He was joined Wednesday by family members, including his other daughter, Patti Blagojevich.