In his own words, it’s time for Palos Park Commissioner G. Darryl Reed to “sit down and shut up.”
Reed, who has been on the village council since 2011, announced at the April 27 meeting he will leave the council at the end of May, citing health reasons as a major part of his decision.
“My health is not getting any better and it’s not going to get any better,” said Reed, who has been dealing with intestinal failure for the past five years. “So, I have to take that into consideration as to where I devote my energies.
“A wise person knows when to sit down and shut up. I’m not wise, but I know when to sit down and shut up.”
In December 2021, he was very sick and announced he was not going to run for re-election. One year later, he changed his mind when Nicole Milovich-Walters ran for mayor and asked him for his help.
“It’s Nikki, you know?” Reed said in 2023. “You have to help people who want your help.”
Reed said during his April 27 remarks that he was not going to talk about his decision or health after his announcement. But in 2023, he admitted he was in bad shape.
“Nothing inside works anymore,” he said at the time. “I can’t ingest orally any liquids or solids, and it’s been that way for two years. There is no cure for it. The stomach is partially paralyzed.
“I will ultimately meet my demise from malnutrition or infection.”
At the time, the former Marine was on a specialized pump for 15 hours a day he said, “depletes you and makes you feel like crap.”
But he promised Milovich-Walters that even though his tank was almost empty, he would give her and the Palos Park residents everything he’s got.
But at the April 27 meeting, he said his fight is gone.
“There is only so much fight in us,” Reed said. “I thought it was best for my comrades here on the dais that someone else pick up the baton and finish the race because I don’t have it in me and I’m not ashamed to say it.”
Milovich-Walters said the plan is to appoint a new commissioner in June. That person will hold down the position until the 2027 election.
The mayor said she is sorry to see Reed leave.
“There aren’t enough words to express my gratitude to the counsel you have given me in my role as mayor,” Milovich-Walters told Reed. “I appreciate all that you have given to the Village of Palos Park.
“You are always willing to give us your feedback and listen to what we have to share. You have been an invaluable part of my journey. I appreciate the mentoring you have given me.”
Retiring village manager Rick Boehm said that Reed will be missed by the council.
“We’ve shared a lot over the years,” Boehm said. “We didn’t always agree but it’s always been respectful.”
Reed said that he was proud to serve on the council.
“I will have two additional meetings that I will attend,” he said, “I am thankful for the opportunity that I had to serve my fellow residents of Palos Park.
“And for all of the people who have put up with my nonsense over the years, I say thank you.”