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Politics & Government

Rutledge Takes His Seat

Appointee is first of three new faces that will join City Council in the coming weeks.

After taking the oath and his seat at the dais, new Wheaton Councilman John Rutledge offered the key vote in the second-most important measure of the night.

With his "yes" vote, Rutledge clinched adjournment of what some observers lauded as one of the fastest City Council meetings in memory.

Short on time, the meeting remained significant as the council and Mayor Michael Gresk approved Rutledge to fill the South District seat vacated earlier this year by Howard Levine.

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"John, good news, you passed," Gresk said to Rutledge after the vote.

Rutledge has said his excitement at joining the council was tempered only by the reality of jumping in and learning the issues facing Wheaton. His background in business and real estate earned him the nod for the appointment, as did his 40-year history as a resident.

Find out what's happening in Wheatonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

For his part in the brief festivities, Rutledge shook hands and accepted congratulations from the small gathering in the City Council chambers. He also received hugs and handshakes from his colleagues as he took to his seat between City Manager Donald Rose and Councilman Tom Mouhelis.

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