Many fond farewells were said as Mayor Bob O’Dekirk, councilman Terry Morris and Councilwoman Bettye Gavin had their last official meeting on the Joliet City Council Tuesday.
O’Dekirk was defeated earlier this month for the mayoral post by Terry D’Arcy, who won by more than 3,800 votes. The former Joliet police officer was first elected in April 2015. Tycee Bell also ran for mayor.
Gavin, who has been the councilwoman of the 4th District, decided against seeking re-election. Gavin was appointed in 2012 by Mayor Thomas Giarrante to replace Councilwoman Suzy Barber. Gavin ran for her first full term election May 2014.
“I wish you the very best on your endeavors,” he said. “Mr. Mayor, I also thank you for serving the city and there is a laundry list of accomplishments. One thing that sticks out is wherever I went in the city, you came to almost event. To the new mayor and the city council, I look forward to working with all of you.”
Until canvassing is completed on Tuesday, April 25, Cesar Cardenas will become the new face of the 4th District, as he defeated Christopher J. Parker, William Ferguson, and Rosa Hernandez. Cardenas received 641 votes, with Parker the next closest with votes at 583.
“Thank you for your unwavering support of diversity and inclusion,” said Alexander as she spoke to O’Dekirk.
In District 5, Morris lost his bid to represent southeast Joliet as he was defeated by Suzanna Ibarra by a vote of 1,058 to 967. Morris was seeking his fourth term councilman. Other District 5 challengers were Jim Lanham and Michael W. Carruthers.
On Tuesday, O’Dekirk thanked Gavin for providing years of leadership as chair of the diversity and community relations committee. O’Dekirk said he will reserve comments about his tenure until the May 2 meeting when the new board and the mayor are seated.
Even though she will no longer be on the city council, Gavin said she will like Joliet to continue building neighborhoods.
“It takes all of us working together,” she said.
Julia Alexander, director of Including You, also applauded Gavin and O’Dekirk for their perseverance and support of the fundraising group which benefits the community with the purpose to “empower, inspire and educate.” The group annually hosts the family fun festival that raised $10,000 last year.
“Thank you also to Bette because when we first got started, you had nothing but encouraging words to say to me,” said Alexander.
Joliet resident Karen Ward thanked the entire City Council and the mayor for improving the lives of residents.
“I am focused on your legacy of great accomplishments, legacy of hope, kindness and inclusivity,” she said.
Councilman at-large Joe Clement thanked all three for their service to the community.
Gavin applauded her “fantastic colleagues” for their support over the years.
“Mr. Mayor, we rocked a long time and thank you for your service,” said Gavin. “You have a servant’s heart and you have shown that. To the city staff, you guys are amazing. When we need something, you dig down and dig deep and bring it to us.”
Morris, a funeral director, joked that he did not want his parting words to sound “like a funeral.”
“I want to thank the staff, past city council members and each and every one of you,” he said. “It has been great and an honor. I have met a lot of great people over the last 12 years.”
