Elmhurst Council 'Mentor' Hailed As She Leaves

ELMHURST, IL – Marti Deuter, an Elmhurst alderwoman, was referred to as a "mentor" repeatedly Monday during her final City Council meeting.

She is leaving after a dozen years to become the state representative for the Elmhurst-based House District 45. In last month's election, Deuter, a Democrat, defeated Republican Dennis Reboletti.

"I have learned more from you than any single other person of any bit of my career," Alderwoman Tina Park said during the meeting.

Much of that learning, she said, was while the two exercised at a local fitness center.

Alderman Mike Brennan said he always appreciated hearing Deuter's views.

"You've been a wonderful mentor. I've never called you that in public or even to your face. But you were," he said.

Alderman Guido Nardini said he asked questions of other council members, but none more regularly than Deuter.

"If the state of Illinois gets half the thoughtful, deliberative policy wonk that the city of Elmhurst has enjoyed, the state will be well-served," Nardini said.

Alderwoman Emily Bastedo recalled a decade ago when she was on the school board and Deuter was on the council. That was when the two entities' relations were strained.

"We sat around the table, and we eventually did make progress, despite a lot of hurt feelings, stubbornness on both sides," Bastedo said.

She said Deuter was key to improving ties.

"You really demonstrated leadership then," Bastedo said. "You were not afraid to talk about hard topics and bring people together."

Mayor Scott Levin said he would point to Deuter as the model for how aldermen should do their jobs.

"You're in it for the right reason," he said.

Deuter, who represents Ward 1, thanked her colleagues for their kind words.

"I've seen what's possible when people come together, listen to each other, discuss differences and find middle ground," Deuter said. "And I've seen the breakdown and missed opportunities when communication doesn't happen, and actions or comments are based on interpretations and assumptions, rather than direct communications and a thorough understanding of circumstances."

One of local government's beauties, she said, is its nonpartisan nature, something she said she has fiercely tried to protect.

"I don't think the growing divide in our country makes anyone better off," Deuter said. "And there's no reason to create division where it doesn't need to exist. Communication is an antidote to division and polarization, and I encourage all of us to engage, rather than splinter, when there are differences in opinion."