Politics & Government

As Tom Mouhelis Retires, 5 New Council Members Have Big Shoes to Fill

Tom Mouhelis, a Wheaton City Councilman for 12 years and veteran of the U.S. Air Force, retires from more than 40 years in public service.

When the Wheaton City Council swears in five new members Monday, they'll be saying goodbye to one who has given over 40 years—two-thirds—of his life to public service. 

He's attended almost 600 City Council meetings over his 12 years as a councilman, and served for 30 years in the U.S. Air Force. 

City, police and fire officials last month said a teary goodbye to Tom Mouhelis at his last official meeting. They thanked him not only for his service to the city and the country, but for his work to recognize and appreciate others who serve, as well as their families.

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He said when he announced he wouldn't run for re-election last fall that he's just tired, and ready to take some time for himself and his family.

Mouhelis proudly recalled the city's recognition of 33 returning veterans during his time on the Council, and the three unfortunate moments of silence honoring those who had passed: Nick Larson, Kevin Landeck and Samuel Watts. 

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Wheaton Fire Chief Greg Berk, who is also retiring this year, said Mouhelis' level of service has been above and beyond.

Wheaton Police Chief Mark Field said it wasn't coincidental that Mouhelis, Field and Berk were there together, as Mouhelis had always promoted cooperation between the city and fire and police departments. 

"Your service to the armed forces is unequaled in my opinion," he added. "Thank you for the laughs."

He said there was never a time Mouhelis would call and fail to make Field laugh "uncontrollably" at some point in the conversation. 

John Prendiville, who will be sworn in Monday as Councilman At-Large, said he's sorry he won't get to serve with Mouhelis again.

"You've always been a gentleman... We don't always agree on things, but we can leave that at the Council door," he said.

"Tom has been a great help, as far as instilling the history of the Council (and) the work the Council has done."

Councilman Todd Scalzo thanked Mouhelis for his leadership, advice, directness and candor. 

"You really took me in right from the beginning... You were very kind to me and gave a lot of insight and advice," he said. 

"You've really been a leader in keeping at the forefront of our minds the people who keep us safe (and their families)... (I've) also appreciated your directness (and) your candor—you say what you mean and mean what you say. And I'll definitely miss your stories—I'll miss you a ton."

Evelyn Pacino-Sanguinetti, who was elected to City Council in 2011, said Mouhelis was her mentor, who "taught her the ropes," of being on the Council. 

"I will never forget that," she said.

During his time on the Council, the city has made some "major developments," Mouhelis said. "...One thing I'll never forget is the honor of service."

He quoted Lou Gehrig, who said, "I'm a very lucky man."

"So am I, because the people of the East District have elected me four times. I just want to say, thank you and God bless."

Five new Councilmen will be sworn into office Monday, May 6. W. Thoreson Saline will replace Mouhelis in the East District seat. Councilmen John Rutledge, Todd Scalzo and Phil Suess will continue to serve in the South, West and North district seats, respectively. John Prendiville will return to serve on the Council as Councilman At-Large.

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