The second-longest serving member of Chicago's City Council and one of the city's most powerful aldermen says he's not stepping down.
Ald. Richard Mell (33rd), the father-in-law of convicted former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, denied a report that he plans to retire in the next month or so after nearly four decades in the role.
"I've thought about retiring for the last five years," Mell told NBC Chicago. "I am sure that I'm going to at a certain time but I haven't thought about it recently."
It was reported Friday that Mell already talked to Mayor Rahm Emanuel about appointing his daughter, Rep. Deb Mell, as his replacement. Mell said the report was not accurate.
When it does happen, Mell's retirement could have a big political impact and would be seen as the end of an era for the council.
