Anger and bitterness followed the DeKalb City Council’s unprecedented denial of Mayor Greg Sparrow’s nominee for 3rd Ward Alderman Monday night by a 4-3 vote.

The aldermen were divided and irate over nominee labor leader Gary Wiggins’ candidacy.

The mayor refused to comment and stormed out of the Municipal Building after the meeting was over.

Third Ward Alderman Bill Hanna was clearly angered by the vote and said those who voted ‘no’ were doing it for purely political reasons.

“There is no doubt in my mind Gary is the best candidate by far,” said Hanna, who voted for Wiggins.

Wiggins said he was surprised at the council’s refusal but was encouraged his qualifications weren’t questioned. Wiggins said he will announce later in the week whether he plans to run for the seat next April.

Second Ward Alderman Michael Welsh, who voted against the candidate, said Wiggins’ move into the ward after Hanna announced he was leaving was a clear political manipulation.

Fourth Ward Alderman Rita Tewksbury agreed with Welsh and also voted against Wiggins. She was also angered that the mayor hurried the nomination, allowing Hanna to vote for his successor.

“It just never has been done that way,” said Tewksbury. “The DeKalb City Council is not the place for Chicago-style politics.”

Sixth Ward Alderman James Pennington said he voted against Wiggins because it was too close to the April election.

Fifth Ward Alderman Bessie Chronopoulos also voted against Wiggins. First Ward alderman Amy Polzin and 7th Ward Alderman Jeff Monroe voted for the candidate.