City Council Approves Mosby As Ward One Alderman

Walter Mosby III was unanimously approved by the Chicago Heights City Council and was sworn in as Ward One Alderman at a special meeting Wednesday, 15.

Mosby was appointed by Mayor David Gonzales to fill the seat left vacant by the late Willie White in December of last year.

Mosby, 50, is entrenched in the community, as pastor of Greater Faith Baptist Church and as president of the Park Forest-Chicago Heights District 163 Board of Education, as several philanthropic roles. He also is a court services supervisor at Aunt Martha's Youth Service Center.

And he knows he has big shoes to fill in Ward One.

"I do take my hat off to the late Ald. Willie White, who set the bar real high," Mosby said at Wednesday's meeting. "And there are big shoes to fill, but I'm going to do my best."

It's a job he's actually wanted for some time. Mosby ran against White in 2003 for the seat and was unsuccessful.

Now it's Mosby's turn to continue White's work -- and implement some new ideas of his own that he says will help the stigma looming over Ward One and the Beacon Hill area.

"Beacon Hill has a problem with drugs, neglected houses," he explained. "One of my biggest problems is [the disconnect] between generations. Parents don't know kids, kids don't know people in the community. We need to get a connection with the younger generation and we can all work together."

Mosby said he will form an advisory council for the neighborhood in addition to his monthly ward meetings in an effort to determine how to improve the area.

The new alderman got a ringing endorsement from Mayor David Gonzalez, who said it was an easy appointment to make -- choosing someone who is always giving back to the community and giving from the heart. He also praised the community service of Mosby's wife, Belinda.

"I have a feeling we're getting a two-for-one deal," Gonzalez added. "They're very active in the community."