City leaders took their oaths and their seats Thursday night in Palos Hills, launching a new term following April’s election with promises of teamwork, stability and continued service.
Mayor Gerald Bennett, City Clerk Dawn Nowak and City Treasurer Kenneth Nolan were sworn in alongside five aldermen during the May 1 ceremony at City Hall. The evening also honored outgoing City Clerk Rudy Mulderink, who stepped down after decades of service.
The city attorney administered the oaths as officials repeated their vows to support the U.S. and Illinois constitutions and faithfully carry out their duties. Family and friends packed the room and applauded throughout the ceremony.
The new term includes four returning aldermen — Michael Price (1st), Mark Brachman (2nd), Phil Abed (4th), and Donna O’Connell (5th) — and one new member, Jennifer Frankowicz, who now represents the 3rd Ward.
Bennett, re-elected as mayor, praised the city’s progress and credited Palos Hills residents for its momentum.
“We’re probably one of the best-kept secrets in the southwest suburbs,” he said. “You look at any department, and the pride shows. We continue to keep taxes low and provide a high level of services. That’s something I pledge to continue.”
He noted more than $60 million in commercial development and over $70 million in residential investment over the past decade, and said new commercial interest is growing. “The future is even brighter,” Bennett said.
He pointed to strong schools, a low crime rate, and a spike in new families moving to town. “We are probably one of the safest communities in the state,” he said. “Our schools are excellent, and that’s one of the main reasons families choose to live here.”
Frankowicz delivered an emotional speech as she joined the council for the first time.
“Everybody has dreams, right? And my dream was to be here,” she said. “For many years, I sat in the audience watching. To my dad — thank you for always seeing my potential. My mom is here in spirit. And to my husband, Tom — thank you for always being so encouraging and loving.”
O’Connell, re-elected in the 5th Ward, thanked her family and said she hopes to keep building on the council’s work. “It’s an honor for me to have a seat, and I hope to continue doing what I’ve been doing,” she said. “We have great things ahead.”
Price, from the 1st Ward, said, “It’s tough. But everybody who supported me — thank you. I look forward to working with everyone.”
Brachman congratulated his fellow aldermen and praised Mulderink for his service. “Rudy did an amazing job,” he said. “He gave me and the city years of steady guidance.”
Abed also paid tribute to Mulderink. “I can only aspire to serve as well as Rudy did,” he said. “Those are big shoes to fill.”
Alderman Peter Donahue also acknowledged Mulderink’s impact. “I’d like to thank Rudy for all of his dedication, service and advice over my years here as alderman,” he said.
New City Clerk Dawn Nowak thanked the council for their support throughout her campaign and during her time at City Hall.
“For the past six years, we’ve experienced a lot together, and I am incredibly thankful,” she said. “To my daughter Taylor, my better half Rob, and my best friend Michelle — your belief in me means everything.”
Alderman Phil Abed noted the city’s low voter turnout and urged residents to stay engaged in local elections. “Every vote counts in these smaller races,” he said.
As the ceremony wrapped, Bennett joked that Mulderink would be in more photos than anyone. The evening ended with hugs, handshakes and group shots as the new term got underway.
