Longtime Elmhurst Alderwoman Won't Run Again

ELMHURST, IL – Longtime Elmhurst Alderwoman Dannee Polomsky, who represents Ward 3, said Wednesday she won't run for a fourth term.

Meanwhile, former Ward 3 Alderman Michael Bram is poised to run in the April election.

In response to a Patch inquiry, Polomsky revealed her decision.

"I don't know what I've enjoyed more — continuously learning something new, representing our community in policy decisions or helping to resolve concerns," Polomsky said in an email. "But because I'm not certain I would offer a fresh perspective after 12 years, I think it's time for someone new to serve alongside Chris Jensen."

Elected in 2021, Jensen is the other alderman in Ward 3, which is in the city's northeastern corner.

Former Ward 3 Alderman Michael Bram is circulating a petition to run for the City Council. (David Giuliani/Patch)

Since last year, Polomsky has headed the City Council's Development, Planning and Zoning Committee. Before that, she was the chairwoman of the Public Affairs and Safety Committee.

She joined a group of aldermen in supporting then-Alderman Scott Levin's successful bid for mayor in 2021.

One of the other candidates was Bram. In the election, Levin won with 41 percent to Bram's 34 percent and Alderman Mark Mulliner's 25 percent.

Bram's council term expired in May 2021, with Jensen winning his seat.

Outside City Hall on Tuesday, Bram, who served on the council for two decades, confirmed to Patch that he was considering running in Ward 3 next year.

In a Sept. 19 Facebook post, Bram said he decided to circulate a petition with the hopes of running for council in April. He has until December to collect signatures.

Bram has remained connected to city issues. After he left office, he launched a Facebook page titled, "Discuss Elmhurst with Michael Bram."

A week ago, he invited residents to a meeting at the Elmhurst Public Library to discuss issues such as the city budget, street projects, water and sewer rates, sidewalk policy, and advanced life support in ambulances.

On Tuesday, he spoke at a council committee about sidewalks. About two dozen other Ward 3 residents attended.