Niles mayor steps down

After serving as Niles mayor for 47 years, Nicholas Blase will retire today.

Blase made his abrupt retirement announcement this weekend in a letter posted on the village's Web site. The announcement arrived just as he is about to stand trial on federal charges claiming the 80-year-old Blase took more than $420,000 in an insurance kickback scheme.

In his letter, however, Blase does not mention the indictment, stating that fatigue determined his decision.

"(I) had no intention of running again because at 80 years of age and 47 years of Mayoring, I am tired," he wrote. "I am retiring early so a Mayor candidate can start campaigning now without the question 'is Mayor Blase going to run again?'"

Blase's retirement becomes effective today, one day before the monthly board meeting to appoint an acting mayor to serve until his term expires in April.

Blase wrote that he will continue to be involved in the community, as well as Niles politics, adding that he plans to endorse a candidate later this year.

Trustee Andrew Przybylo, who took over from Blase as Maine Township Democratic Committeeman (Laura Murphy currently holds the position), said he was saddened by Blase's decision.

"I didn't like to see it happen, but he made his choice and I respect his choice," Przybylo said.

He could not say whether the pressure of the indictment was a factor, but said, "I do know the mayor has in the past year or so become weathered."

Przybylo said the interim mayor position will likely be filled by one of the three senior trustees, Robert M. Callero, Bart T. Murphy or Louella B. Preston. He said Callero would probably have the edge due to his wealth of knowledge about the budget.

Blase first ran for mayor in 1961, beating 20-year-incumbent Frank Stankowicz. In his initial years, he called for and received the resignation of the longtime police chief, pressured Chicago into annexing and cleaning up a gambling infested area of Milwaukee Avenue known as "The Strip," and instituted the post of village manager.

Over the years, Niles gained a reputation for quality public works, low property taxes and such services as free public transit and a popular senior center.

Longtime Niles resident Catherine Susnjara said, "I know he wasn't perfect, but for senior citizens, he did a lot of good."

In addition to serving as mayor, Blase was Maine Township Democratic Committeeman for nearly 30 years. He also ran unsuccessfully in 1972 in the Democratic primary for the 10th Congressional District seat against Abner Mikva.

Former Maine Township Supervisor Bob Dudycz, a Republican, said he hates to see Blase retire.

"I never saw Nick Blase as being a Democrat. I saw Nick Blase as being a good mayor," Dudycz said.

Trustee Kim Biederman said it is important that the next mayor carry on Blase's tradition of quality services and low property taxes.

"With the mismanagement of Cook County government, we know what can happen if the wrong person is elected," she said.