Mell and Marcin

33rd Ward Alderman Richard Mell ribbed other Alderman about their fears concerning redistricting, confident in his ability to easily win re-election in 1983. But his tune changed when 35th Ward Alderman John Marcin, the former City Clerk, was drawn into his ward. The upbeat jokester suddenly turned serious.

“Lots of people like the old man,” he complained. “He’s really outspoken.” Mell was not looking forward to a tough campaign against a seasoned political veteran.

Marcin was ultimately drawn into his own 35th ward and lost his re-election bid to 26-year old Joseph Kotlarz, an Independent who belatedly sided with the Vrdolyak bloc against Mayor Washington.

Mell coasted to victory in the 33rd ward.