Very well run forum. Great job Wildwood Local School Council and students.
Candidates present:
Barbara Ateca, Maurita Gavin, Richard Gonzalez, Daniel Lapinski, Brock Merck, Thomas Patrick Murphey, Mary O'Connor, John Quinn, Jim Mullens.
Candidates absent:
George Banna and James Schamne
Audience: Approximately 225 people.
Highlights:
- Students developed and asked the questions. Great job!
- Moderator inserted informaton about the school's history, activities and programs in between questions.
- Polished presentations by all the candidates. Good to see Jim Mullens (I enjoyed his quick wit).
There were many different approaches to solving our problems addressed. There was no winners or losers, just different perspectives. Nice job to all of the candidates. I think only one candidate passed on a question...not what I would do.
ReplyDeleteI think there were a couple candidates that did well - Gonzalez, Murphy and in a limited way, Gavin.
ReplyDeleteCandidates who need to go back and study issues: Lapinski, Ateca, Quinn, O'Connor. Merck was hard to follow.
I walked in there not knowing anyone, and I walked out wanting to research more about Gonzalez.
ReplyDeleteTo many candidates
ReplyDeleteStandouts: Gonzalez and Murphey.
ReplyDeleteBoth were able to describe some very specific solutions.
Gonzalez good with a ward communication plan, access to services , public safety, and business ideas.
Murphey had the depth of knowledge to best explain how city systems work, he was the most articulate communicator, and verbalized outstanding solutions for transportation concerns and traffic safety issues around schools (this was the first question and probably foremost in the minds of the students and parents in the audience).
Murphey was the only candidate to affirm that he is prepared to work on the overall city budget crisis, for until the overall city financial crisis is dealt with, services and systems within the 41st ward will continue to suffer.
Murphey had a logical, well thought out jobs/business revitalization plan and was able to articulate supports and systems for small businesses including the small business loan program run through the city treasurer's office. Murphey stands out in the crowded field of candidates.
I agree with the last comment. I thought Murphy displayed the most common sense
ReplyDeletevery complex problems going on in the ward and city. I left with the feeling that most of the candidates would be caught up in a two year or longer learning curve. We have no time for that now. Although Gavin had day to day knowledge, I can't see her dealing with Rahm. Murhey could hndle Rahm and already knows the city.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately I missed it. Last debate was almost like being in a stand up comedy club watching Barb Ateca, John Quinn, and Mary O'Connor fumble through the questions. Does John Quinn and Barb Ateca actually believe they have some shot at winning this?
ReplyDeleteNot surprised to see the only stand outs being Murphey and Gonzalez. I hope Murphey takes it
I think it is entirely plausible they have a shot. The gift of public speaking is a gift, indeed, but by no means is it mandatory. I prefer to believe there is more to the position of Alderman than that.
ReplyDeleteThe debates are important and very informative but my mind isn't made up yet. The candidates keep mentioning that our Alderman will have to work with other officials and districts. The true question then seems to be who is most qualified for that sort of dealing? Which candidate would be most effective?
Without the forum we would have the yard signs to tell us who is most qualified.
ReplyDeleteHow to know which candidate to vote for:
ReplyDelete1/ Talk to the candidate one on one, and ask your questions directly.
2/ Attend a forum and see who is most prepared, who has the most knowledge about the issues and problems, how to get things done, and communicates well with others.
3/ Read the candidates' websites to get the ethereal glossy picture.
4/ Count how many yard signs you see in the community and make sure to take your socks off.
Last night's forum was an informative and well-run event. The host in particular did an excellent job of keeping the forum on track and focused.
ReplyDeleteI came to the forum not knowing anything about the candidates beyond a recent overview of the candidates by Russ Stewart in the Reader.
I agree with those who say Thomas Murphey stood out from the crowd. He was informed, composed, and well spoken. I hope he makes it through to the next round, because he would really have a shot. It'd be nice to have a representative like him on the city council.
I was extremely disappointed by John Quinn, Mary O'Connor, and Maurita Gavin. Quinn didn't have one insightful thing to say and even passed on a question or two. Most of his answers mimicked answers he heard others give. I'm sure he's a nice man, but he didn't strike me as someone who deserves a seat on the city council. O'Connor and Gavin are supposedly well-versed in local politics but neither was able to articulate how that experience would benefit ward residents. If you're considering voting for any of these three, you should give serious consideration to Murphey.
I liked a lot of what Brock Merck had to say, but I think he was a bit inconsistent in his overall viewpoint. Gonzalez started off a little weakly, but finished well. I have a feeling he'll make it through and may ultimately win.
I think the Rahm factor is a good point. I wasn't there last night but I do have real concerns about which of the candidates can handle that guy. I have seen Gavin and O'Connor at meetings in the past and don't think they are equipped to handle a guy like Rahm. Not that the next alderman has to be loud, but should be clever, smart, prepared and think one step ahead.
ReplyDeleteA few of the lady candidates wanted to launch letter writing campaign and march in protest over a possible redeployment of POS. Gonzalez understood the issue and explained that POS are already reallocated to other parts of the city all the time. Gonzalez explained that the issue isn't about a redeployment, but the larger city wide problem of not having enough POS overall, and that money must be allocated at the city level to improve city safety everywhere. Only then will the public, and the 41st ward perceive a sense of public safety.
ReplyDeleteI was one of the Wildwood parents there last night and I am very concerned about the amount of traffic around Wildwood and St. Mary's on school days. The side streets were not designed to handle all the traffic when those schools were built. My kids walk to and from school and I walk with them because of the traffic. I thought looking at the long term structural approachs to the street set up that Murphey suggested made the most sense. I don't think police writing tickets will last very long, is short term quick fix and will just make people mad.
ReplyDeleteThis is exactly what I am talking about: complete amature hour. A letter writing campaign - give me a break. I believe O'connor equated it at the last debate similar to the letter campaign to save Stock School. Elect an amature folks and that is what you will get.
ReplyDeleteAnd to the commenter who suggested we look at who would be the best candidate to speak with "other city officials and districts", I don't think it is the current alderman's assistant or the current ward committeeman because they have been around forever and nothing has been done to address issues. So I think an excellent communicator, with the art, science, gift or whatever is absoultely who we need.
ReplyDeletei believe there were only 2 candidates who displayed some level of understanding of what is needed for our ward. Gonzales and Murphey are by far the best two. Gonzales displays the maturity sincerity and toughness this ward so desperately needs. Murphey is very articulate but seems to be a little wet aound the ears. He will be someone to reckon with in the future.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the two strongest candidates are Gonzalez and Murphy. But I think the toughness needed for the next alderman will need to be a strategic mental toughness, which Murphy has. My impression of him after two hours, was that he is a natural born leader, and ready for the office of alderman.
ReplyDeleteGonzalez and Murphy definitely did the best.
ReplyDeleteMurphy has a command of the issues and is very well spoken. However, he's too young for the job. I have no doubt that he will be a rising star in the ward.
I think Gonzalez is the person to get the job done. Rahm is going to be our mayor and I think we need a tough, experienced individual who will not be bullied.
Can you imagine Gavin or O'Connor going to the mayor's office to fight for our ward?
That Brock Merck character is a pistol.
ReplyDeleteEveryone seemed very frightened.
I think there are more than a few candidates counting on yard signs to get them votes
ReplyDeleteI also attended the Wildwood forum. This race should really be between Gonzalez and Murphy. Gonzalez is a Certified Public Accountant, Business man, Sgt. with the Chicago Police Department!. The way this city is heading with the budget, crime, education, more crime, I believe Gonzalez can take care of this ward! We need his experience and his attitude especially since we might get Rahm Emmanuel as Mayor AND a new police superintendent. Can young Murphy handle all that? I'm afraid he might pull a Tom Dart move and say "Well I feel that I should spend more time with my family..." Don't count on yard signs to vote. I myself know who I am voting for and I certainly don't need a yard sign to tell me.
ReplyDeleteLet's not forget that the 41st Ward Alderman has to deal with all the other Alderman in the city. Especially the Alderman representing the south side areas I hear they can be tough as nails! Murphy does show mental toughness but I strongly believe Gonzalez can represent the 41st Ward without being a pushover. This guys has 18 years with the Police Department. I'm sure he's dealt with people far worse than I can even imagine. I don't think Murphy has that mental toughness that we are looking for. I can see Murphy being a President in the corporate world but in this world of high crime, corruption, and dirty politics, a Veteran indeed is what the 41st ward needs down in the city council. Being polite and saying "yes sir, no sir" is not going to cut it!
ReplyDeleteMurphey said he had 12 years of city planning experience. He looks to be in his mid thirties. I did not get the impression he was to young for the job at all. In fact, he was the only one up there who seemed to know what they were talking about.
ReplyDeleteI believe it may be the Chicago City Council "reckoning" with Murphy very soon.
ReplyDeleteyes, the money backed party candidates are counting on the yard sign mentality to earn them votes. My sense is the 41st ward is fairly sophisticated and the voters aren't going to be fooled by yard signs.
ReplyDeleteMy question to all the candidates is what have they done for the community before wanting to be our alderman??? Any volunteer efforts?
ReplyDeleteI saw a reference to the Russ Stewart article from the Nadig Journal, and I have to comment. I thought that article was sexist and stupid. The E-Team and the B- Team? A goofy article. No professional news reporting going on in this neck of the woods.
ReplyDeleteI think Murphey is too young to run for Alderman. He just graduated from college in 2002. He's been working for the city only 4 years. What other job experience does this kid have?
ReplyDeleteyeah, the estrogen team (e-team) and the boys team (b-team)? That rubbed me the wrong way too.
ReplyDeleteI attended the forum also with out having made up my mind as to whom I will vote for. I believe John Quinn will be the candidate that the 41st ward will rally around and send to the city council. John Quinn stood out as the best and most informed candidate. This family will vote for John Quinn
ReplyDeleteAnything specific about John Quinn you liked? That is a very broad, general statement. I'd say the 'most informed' is Gavin, the one with the best solutions is Murphey, the one who will fight the most for us is Gonzalez, the one who will care only about her supporters is O'Connor, and the rest are just noise in the process.
ReplyDeleteHow come nothing that the citizens wanna post on here doesnt get posted? like John Quinns roll in the silver shuffle scandal?
ReplyDelete