ML - Michigan Avenue

2014 - Issue 3 - May/June

Michigan Avenue - Niche Media - Michigan Avenue magazine is a luxury lifestyle magazine centered around Chicago’s finest people, events, fashion, health & beauty, fine dining & more!

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LESS THAN A YEAR INTO HER TENURE AS ALDERMAN of the 33rd Ward, the district where she grew up, Deb Mell awakens each morn- ing eager to see what the day will bring. "City Council, committee meetings downtown, coming back to the ward and looking at various issues like water ma in brea ks or businesses not shoveling, someone com ing in because they want a dog park at Horner Park…." The eyes of the former state representative for the 40th District widen as she recites her agenda. "It's amazing what happens in the alderman's office," marvels Mell, who was raised in Logan Square and Irving Park and now lives in Avondale with wife Christin Baker, "but that's what keeps it really exciting." Proudest achievement : R ight off the bat, we made communication between the alderman's office and the ward a lot more accessible with a weekly e-mail and social media. My dad [former 33rd Ward alderman Richard Mell] didn't have any of that, and it's active throughout the day. Issue closest to my heart: I was the chair of the mass transit committee as a state rep, so transportation issues [are important to me]. I want to see people move about with mass transit, walking, biking.... On marriage equality in Illinois: Once it's become the law of the land, I think we're going to be really proud Illinoisans to have been in the forefront. How I hope to make my mark: I want to be known as someone who, when you leave me, you don't feel like there's been a lot of BS. I've always been straightforward. Definition of success: I've never been motivated by power or money—those don't really satisfy me as much as personal relationships with people, with friends, with my wife. Advice I'd give my 15-year-old self: Lighten up. I believe in a higher power and think we need to be happy, joyous, and free in this life. MICHIGANAVEMAG.COM 139 DEBMELL This passionate civic leader relishes the challenges and rewards of life as an alderman. 134-141_MA_FEAT_PP_May/June_14.indd 139 4/14/14 1:02 PM

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