- Present a two minute opening statement.
- Answer questions that were written by the audience, on index cards, upon admission and read by the moderator for each candidate to answer.
- A few individual candidates were asked specific questions from the index card questions.
- Present a two minute closing statement.
Candidates who participated: James Schamne, Mary O'Connor, Thomas Patrick Murphey, Brock Merck, Richard Gonzalez, Maurita Gavin and Barbara Ateca. Candidates not in attendance: Daniel Lapinski, Jim Mullins and John Quinn.
The forum was informative and gave everyone a chance to hear from the candidates directly. Each candidate had some discernible strength. I admire all of the candidates for running and participating in the political process. I walked away being most impressed with one candidate over the rest, but want to spend tonight processing and thinking about what I heard, and will post a few thoughts over the next few days. I invite my readers, who attended, to share your thoughts as well.
Brock Merk said he was pro-union/pro-labor but was against a living wage ordinance. That makes absolutely no sense.
ReplyDeleteAll had responses that summed up their different backgrounds. Only a couple could speak about every issue. I'ld put the top 3 as O'Connor, Merck and Murphy.
ReplyDeleteThe independents were interesting. The two candidates slated by the democrats and republicans were disappointing. Nothing there.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Murphey stood out as the most articulate and well-informed candidate. Unfortunately, he doesn't have the necessary funding/'army' to be a viable candidate. Maybe some years down the road, he will throw his hat in again.
ReplyDeleteI thought Maurita Gavin stood out as the clear runner up. Yes, she did talk a lot about Doherty but only as it directly related to the question. She knows how the whole thing works and she makes that clear in her answers. She also appeared to be the most knowledgeable about the issues and provided very in-depth discussion of many important topics.
O'Connor did not really speak about any solutions or ideas. All she talked about was her great experience running a business and serving on the EPCC. Ateca clearly did not have sufficient knowledge of the issues. Gonzalez came in at 3rd place for me but besides his knowledge of cop-related issues, I do not think he possesses enough knowledge. Brock Merck...well, he is an interesting fellow who took some jabs at Gavin and O'Connor.
Gavin was able to superficially chat about simple subjects, but even she admitted that issues like pensions and the budget were over her head.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't there last night, but I agree that the 41st Ward needs an independent to get things done.
ReplyDeleteGavin admitted that she does not have a working knowledge of all the complexities of the pension system...which, I believe, is most likely the case for all candidates...except maybe Murphey.
ReplyDeleteAzteca was passionate about being for public pensions and being a nurse. (Happy)
ReplyDeleteGavin was knowledgeable about Doherety's office but too concerned about staying elected forever (said no to term limits.) (loyal)
Gonzalez was a good reader from his notes. (Smart.)
Merck seemed genuine. Marches to a different beat. (Now I know who is Brock Merck)
Murphy was book smart. (Needs wider life experiences)
O'Connor was quiet. (Wasn't the lioness expected)
Schamne needs to drop out.
Thank you for the kind words about my performance in last night's
ReplyDeleteforum, with your support you can make me more viable. I can bring the
right skills that are needed to this office and with your help I can get the
attention that is needed to get elected. I am listed first on the ballot and
with more exposure from all of you we can win this race. Please contact me at
murpheyfor41stward@hotmail.com or at 312-685-4567 or visit my website
www.murpheyfor41stward.com to find out ways you can help. If you would like to post a sign at your home or business please email me the appropriate address and I will install it for you. I am walking the precincts personally and if you would like to join me or have me stop by to visit yourself or someone else, please let me know. Thank you.
at least O'Connor's business is in the ward. Brock Merck said his business was in Oak Park. So much fo investing in your own neighborhood
ReplyDeleteSpeaking on behalf of John Quinn, I apologize he was unable to attend last evening. John had a previous engagement that he was regretfully unable to break. However, he will be participating in future Aldermanic Forums and looks forward to the opportunity to directly address the Ward's concerns and questions.
ReplyDeleteNow I wish I would have gone to this
ReplyDeleteNext Forum:
ReplyDeleteAldermanic Forum sponsored by the Edison Park Community Council will be on Thursday, January 20, 2011 from 7 to 9 pm at Olympia Park, 6566 N. Avondale, Chicago, Il.
The youngest candidate looked to be mid 30's and the oldest about 60. Much life experience in all of them. Personally, I think someone on the younger side needs to be alderman. The 41st is no longer an old foggie ward. Many young families up here and they are the future.
ReplyDeleteDoherty was about 33 when he became Alderman
ReplyDeleteVote John Quinn 41st Alderman fundraiser
ReplyDeleteThursday, January 13 · 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Location The Thatch
5707 N Milwaukee
Chicago, IL 60686
The voters are more important than a fundraiser
Mr. Quinn, or are the funds you gained more important than reaching the voters of Norwood Park. Just take the money and run eh'.
Mr. Quinn:
ReplyDeleteDid you attend a fundraiser on January 13, 2011 instead of participating in the Aldermanic Forum? I too, saw the event posted on your Facebook page and wondered?