Barely 48 hours after their official retirement from the Evanston City Council, Melissa Wynne and Eleanor Revelle joined LWVE members at the Annual Meeting to share some memories of their combined thirty-seven years of public service. Under the artful questioning of seasoned League member Helen Gagel, they discussed their motivations, some challenges, and the rewards of being Council Members.
Responding to a query about what they would have liked to have known before they joined City Council, both acknowledged that they had received little or no orientation and had much to learn on the job. The LWVE Local Government committee has urged the City Manager to remedy that situation with newly elected officials. Indeed, Melissa and Eleanor confirmed that an orientation to, and with, staff is now required. It takes time, they said, to learn which department heads to contact in order to help constituents solve problems or get the information they need. Melissa pointed out that the creation of the 311 information portal reduced the calls she received by over 70% and transformed constituent service in a very positive way.
Recently, some Council meetings have been contentious, and both former Council Members agreed that communication among colleagues is vital. Listening to the voices of constituents addressing ward problems is essential, but they also agreed that a citywide vision was their priority.
Helen asked if they remembered their “hardest” vote, one which they struggled with, or even possibly regretted. Interestingly, both women mentioned votes involving (different) affordable housing projects. This is still an issue that the community is tackling as we consider Envision Evanston 2045.
What did they consider the major assets of Evanston? Both represented lakefront wards, and natural resources were major features they wished to protect.
Melissa and Eleanor praised the LWVE’s role in election forums and citizen education. The League’s calm and rational approach can, they said, help heal divisions in city discussions. Another shared view is that technology, lively ward meetings, and more individual contact can help bridge the communication gap between citizens and their representatives on the City Council.
Melissa noted the need to encourage people to think about running for office themselves. Eleanor was encouraged to participate by a mayor, and Melissa by her neighbors wanting a contested election. Both responded positively, and Evanston (and the League) is all the better because they did!