PEORIA, Ill. – Tuesday night saw the conclusion of a nearly quarter century of service on the Peoria City Council.
It was the final meeting for now-former 2nd District Councilman Chuck Grayeb. Grayeb decided against running for reelection to the council, opting to run for mayor. He finished 3rd out of three candidates in the mayoral primary.
After his departure from the council on Tuesday night, Grayeb believes the city is in good hands for the future.
“We’re a resilient people, we always have been,” Grayeb said. “If there’s nothing else we can say about Peoria, it is that the people of Peoria love their city, and work hard in the neighborhoods to make it better.”
Grayeb says the biggest thing he will take away is building the city’s economy and diversifying it. He also is proud of efforts of keeping heritage neighborhoods in Peoria vibrant.
Before Grayeb’s final meeting adjourned, his colleagues around the Horseshoe offered words of praise and gratitude. Most talked about how they would have lively debates with Grayeb, but be cordial and friendly again afterwards. Other reflections praised Grayeb for his knowledge and experiences on the council.
For At-Large Councilwoman Bernice Gordon-Young, she reflected on a time where Grayeb was her school dean.
“I always had the utmost respect for you because you meant business, and that was no different when you were a teacher, an administrator, and serving as a city council member,” Gordon-Young said. “Your passion for people, your passion for making a difference, is just through and through.”
Alex Carmona began his four-year term in Grayeb’s former seat Tuesday night, with Grayeb saying he’s available for advice to him.
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