Retiring Chicago Alderman Dick Mell says his falling out with son-in-law Rod Blagojevich and the former Illinois governor's imprisonment for corruption continue to weigh heavily on him.
Mell spoke with reporters Friday about his nearly 40 years as a City Council member.
The 75-year-old says the events surrounding his son-in-law and his wife's death were two painful episodes in his life. He says they ``put a damper'' on what he otherwise regards as a lucky and fulfilling life.
Mell says it was difficult to say what he really feels about Blagojevich, but he hopes Blagojevich gets an appeal and that his 14-year sentence could be reduced.
Mell aided Blagojevich's rise to governor, but says he now wished he had ``done things differently.''
Mell says he hopes his daughter gets serious consideration as a possible replacement for him on Chicago's City Council. But the veteran of old-school Chicago politics acknowledges the political world is changing and says he will ``live with'' whatever decision Mayor Rahm Emanuel makes.
Emanuel has promised an ``open process'' to choose a replacement for Mell.
State Rep. Deborah Mell's name has been raised as a likely candidate to replace her father in the 33rd ward.
The elder Mell says Emanuel will ``make a decision based on what he thinks is right.''
He says there is ``no understanding'' between himself and the mayor that his daughter will get the job.
