Mell, Chicago Alderman Richard

Chicago Alderman Richard Mell has represented the 33rd Ward since 1975.  Alderman Mell currently serves as the Chairman of the Committee on Committees, Rules & Ethics and is a member of the Committee on the Budget and Government Operations; Committee on Finance; Committee on Housing and Real Estate; Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety; Committee on Workforce Development and Audit; and Committee on Zoning, Landmarks, and Building Standards.  Alderman Mell is also the 33rd Ward Committeeman.  His two political action committees are the 33rd Ward Regular Democratic Organization and Citizens for Richard Mell.

Richard Mell is Rod Blagojevich's father-in-law.  Mell strongly backed former Governor Blagojevich during his first gubernatorial campaign.  However, after his election, Mell and the former Governor consistently feuded. The two reconciled after Patti Blagojevich was named in the federal criminal complaint against former Governor Blagojevich. In 2008, Richard Mell's daughter Deborah was elected as the state representative for the 40th District, Chicago's northwest side. This seat was previously held by Richard Bradley, a politician who gained his start working for Mell. Bradley was rumored to elect not run for re-election in the 40th district once he found out Mell's daughter was interested in running. Bradley instead unsuccessfully ran for a state senate position. Richard Mell paid the rent and utilities on his daughter's campaign office through individual contributions as well as through his Citizens for Mell PAC.

From January 1, 1993 through June 30, 2005, the political action committees of Alderman Mell contributed $177,754 to candidates for Illinois statewide constitutional and legislative office, 100% of which was contributed to Democrats.

Last revised June 2011.