On April 17, 2007, Matlak lost to challenger Scott Waguespack in a close aldermanic race.
Unfortunately, health issues relating to his kidneys prevented such a career, and he instead proceeded to attend DePaul University in Chicago, where he received an accounting degree.
[1] He had interned with Dan Rostenkowski and worked in the ward office of former alderman Terry Gabinski.
He was appointed in 1998 by Mayor Richard M. Daley to finish the term of Theris Gabinski, and was elected outright in 1999.
Matlak lost the February 2, 2010 Democratic Primary Election for Commissioner of the 12th District of the Cook County Board to politician John Fritchey.