NIU student Mike Neylon, who was appointed Sixth Ward alderman July 29, brings a broad background and knowledge of the area to the position, DeKalb Mayor Greg Sparrow said.

“Neylon is a well-rounded person. He will be able to deal with those decisions that don’t necessarily deal with students.”

Neylon’s term begins Sept. 1 and extends through April 1989, Sparrow said. The appointment fills a vacancy made by Steve Brody, who resigned after accepting employment with a federal judge in Rockford.

As manager of the DeKalb Pet Shop, 121 S. First St., Neylon said he is familiar with DeKalb’s business community. And, as an NIU student and member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity, 914 Greenbrier Road, Neylon also emphasizes his ties with NIU.

“Working at the shop, I deal with a lot of people with differing lifestyles—from low to high incomes,” Neylon said.

Maintaining Huskie bus service and extending bar hours are two major items facing NIU students in his ward, he said.

Neylon views his background as a DeKalb resident an asset in understanding business matters addressed by the council.

“A small percentage of (DeKalb) issues concern students in my area, and I have to understand the entire community,” Neylon said.

A graduate of DeKalb High School, Neylon attended Kishwaukee Community College, where he earned an associate’s degree in journalism. He is working toward a degree from NIU in liberal arts with an emphasis in public relations. He expects to graduate in May 1989.

During the summer, Neylon developed an interest in the DeKalb City Council meetings, and he began attending. He said he was the only candidate to tour the city’s street, fire and water departments to gain a better understanding of their operations.

Sparrow said before making a decision, he discussed the qualification of candidates with the other council members.

“The council was near unanimity about Neylon as a candidate,” Sparrow said, adding Neylon will have to get used to the job quickly.

Fifth Ward Alderman Bessie Chronopoulos said, “I was very impressed with all the candidates. But he (Neylon), by far, seemed the most interested (in city government).”

But one council member expressed opposition to Neylon’s appointment. Seventh Ward Alderman Mark Powell caled Neylon a puppet of the mayor at a press conference Friday.

Other candidates the mayor considered for Sixth Ward alderman included NIU students Joe Annunzio, Karen Seymour and Jim Benton.