Politics & Government
Elmhurst City Council Says Good-bye to Two Aldermen
Susan Rose and Pat Shea will be replaced by Dannee Polomsky and Bob Dunn.
Third Ward Alderman Susan Rose has served the Elmhurst for 20 years, working with 47 other council members on an estimated 1,040 nights. Elmhurst's longest-serving alderman said farewell to the dais Monday night, citing the philosopher Plato, thanking her constituents and talking about the “fierceness” with which she loves the city.
Also exiting the council was 2nd Ward Alderman Pat Shea.
Both aldermen decided not to run for another term in this month's election. Replacing them will be Bob Dunn in the 2nd Ward and Dannee Polomsky in the 3rd Ward.
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Rose said she ran in 1991 specifically to fix Berteau Avenue.
“I cared about my community, I cared about my block, and that is what propelled me into city service,” she said.
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The most contentious issue she said she faced was the decision to construct a heliport at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital. She cited the philosopher Plato's ideas of leaders in a society, and expressed the hope that more women decide to enter local politics. Rose also stressed the need to listen and to be civil when debating issues.
“Compromise is the royal road to good government,” she said.
Second Ward Alderman Norman Leader read what he called a “love letter” to Rose, describing how she “always voted the dictates of her conscience” even when “dueling Roberts Rules clash by night,” referring to the often-tedious City Council processes.
Polomsky said she would look to Rose's “steady approach to decision making and calm consideration” as she takes over the 3rd Ward seat.
“There is no doubt that her contributions will have lasting impact on the community,” Polomsky said.
Shea, who has served on the council for four years, praised the residents of the 2nd Ward and called them “involved, caring and very informed.”
City Manager Thomas Borchert thanked Shea for always being prepared and thorough in dealing with city issues.
Both Rose and Shea were presented with rocking chairs as a symbol of their upcoming days of leisure. Shea noted that the chair will be a great place to rock her grandchildren.
Rose and Shea's last votes included approving the 2011-12 budget.
The new council members will be inaugurated on May 2. As for the departing aldermen, Rose invited Shea to have coffee with her on Monday nights.
