How Often Elmhurst Aldermen Absent

Editor's note: An original version of the story included absences for closed sessions, incorrectly increasing the number of absences for some aldermen.

ELMHURST, IL – Northside Elmhurst aldermen Michael Bram and Karen Sienko attended all 26 City Council meetings in 2024, according to a Patch analysis. The others were absent at least once.

The council is made up of 14 members, with two representing each of the seven wards.

As for absences, Ward 4 Alderman Brian Cahill led the way in 2024 with six, nearly a fourth of the time. He was followed by Ward 1 Alderwoman Jennifer Veremis, with five.

Cahill is not seeking a second term in the April 1 election.

Missing one meeting each were Ward 7's Mike Brennan and Rex Irby, Ward 1's Marti Deuter, and Ward 3's Chris Jensen.

All Elmhurst aldermen attended 10 of the 26 meetings last year.

Attendance can make a difference. In 2021, the council split 6-6 over a controversial request for parking lots at Roberto's Ristorante, with the mayor breaking the tie in favor.

Missing were Cahill and Veremis.

Aldermen make $2,400 a year, a fraction of what area township trustees make.

Annually, Elmhurst aldermen attend about 50 meetings, including committee sessions. That works out to about $50 a meeting, not including the time they spend studying issues and speaking with constituents.

Of the 26 City Council meetings in 2024, here are how many each alderman has missed:

Brian Cahill (Ward 4): 6
Jennifer Veremis (Ward 1): 5
Noel Talluto (Ward 4): 4
Emily Bastedo (Ward 6): 3
Tina Park (Ward 5): 3
Jacob Hill (Ward 2): 2
Guido Nardini (Ward 6): 2
James Nudera (Ward 5): 2
Mike Brennan (Ward 7): 1
Marti Deuter (Ward 1): 1
Rex Irby (Ward 7): 1
Chris Jensen (Ward 3): 1
Michael Bram (Ward 3): 0
Karen Sienko (Ward 2): 0

Here is a listing of the City Council's meetings in 2024 and which aldermen missed them:

Jan. 16
Noel Talluto and James Nudera

Feb. 5
Brian Cahill and Emily Bastedo

Feb. 20
Everyone present

March 4
Everyone present

March 18
Everyone present

April 1
Emily Bastedo

April 15
Everyone present

May 13
Everyone present

May 20
Noel Talluto and Tina Park

June 3
Jennifer Veremis, Chris Jensen and Noel Talluto

June 10
Jacob Hill

June 17
Everyone present

July 1
James Nudera

July 15
Noel Talluto, Guido Nardini and Jennifer Veremis

Aug. 5
Everyone present

Aug. 19
Everyone present

Sept. 3
Guido Nardini

Sept. 16
Brian Cahill, Mike Brennan and Jacob Hill

Oct. 7
Everyone present

Oct. 21
Brian Cahill

Oct. 28
Emily Bastedo and Jennifer Veremis

Nov. 4
Jennifer Veremis, Brian Cahill and Tina Park

Nov. 12
Jennifer Veremis

Nov. 18
Rex Irby, Marti Deuter, Brian Cahill and Tina Park

Dec. 2
Brian Cahill

Dec. 16
Everyone present

Source: Elmhurst City Council minutes