Passion for the People: Elmhurst City Council Bids Farewell to 1st Ward Alderman Paula Pezza

Leaving a legacy of tenacious questioning of city business—and leaving 6th Ward Alderman Jim Kennedy as the only Immaculate Conception High School graduate on the City Council—Paula Pezza, surrounded by family, ended her career as 1st Ward alderman Monday.

“I can only hope that I delivered on my promises,” she said.

Pezza, a 26-year Elmhurst resident, recently took on a role with the Realtors Association Governmental Affairs Committee, which lobbys state representatives and local governments for the real estate industry and owners rights. She did not seek re-election; Marti Deuter was elected last week to join Diane Gutenkauf in representing the 1st Ward.

Pezza has served on Elmhurst City Council since 2009; in 2005, she ran for mayor of Elmhurst.

Pezza listed some of her accomplishments over the last four years, including pushing for competitive bidding of the city's ambulance service and garbage contract, and securing the construction of a sidewalk on West Avenue.

She was also proud of working with 3rd Ward Alderman Michael Bram to recommend the study of economic development potential of the North York Road area, a stretch that eventually became the city's fourth tax increment financing district.

Pezza was opposed to the eventual rolling of the Hahn Street property from TIF 1, the City Centre development district, into TIF 4, however. And on Monday, one of her last votes was joining four other alderman in voting against authorizing the use of eminent domain to acquire Pauli's Marathon for eventual development, at York Road and Hahn Street.

In her farewell remarks, Pezza cited the multi-faceted nature of the job of alderman as one of the most fascinating aspects of serving on the council.

“I've experienced more than I ever imagined,” she said.

And her family testified to how many hours Pezza dedicated to her post.

“She worked every day to become an expert on every issue,” said her son David.

Pezza thanked staff for helping her learn the complexities of running a city day to day and for helping her solve residents' problems. She also thanked the “Monday Night Regulars,” a group of residents who attend every council and most committee meetings.

Although she was often the lone vote—or one of the few votes—against the majority, her colleagues on the dais warmly praised her dedication and vision.

“Many times, you were the wisdom of the day,” 7th Ward Alderman Patrick Wagner said.

Second Ward Alderman Norman Leader said it was Pezza who convinced him to run for City Council. He said she impressed him with her zeal for historic preservation, and he reminded residents that Pezza was instrumental in raising the seed money that saved Churchville Schoolhouse.

“You have demonstrated what community service is all about,” added 7th Ward Alderman Mark Mulliner.

“Not bad for a homecoming queen,” said Pezza's husband, David.