Last night, important questions about the ward budget came up at the forum. No one was quite sure how the ward budget has been spent for the last 20 years. And how would we? We have not had a website or transparency about the budget from the alderman's office for the last 20 years.
I strongly urge everyone who has questions about how money has been spent, to call the alderman's office and request audit report for the 41st Ward Budget for the last 20 years. It is the alderman's responsibility to provide you with information about how YOUR money has been spent.
Ask for information about the Ward Menu Budget and the Ward "Expense Budget"
You can also take a look at this: http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/general/search_results.html?keyword=aldermanic+menu+expenditures. for information about the Ward Menu Budget.
http://councilexpenses2008.apps.chicagotribune.com/ward/41 Look for information from the Ward "Expense" budget that would pay for office management items like websites, salaries, scanners, web support etc.
In 2008 Alderman Doherty gave back $ 32,416
In 2009 Alderman Doherty gave back $ 7,182
ALSO: I have called Mary O'Connor's office and left a message to call me back. I will ask what she meant by Doherty returning money to the city and how she discovered that information. I also urge anyone who wants specific info about what Mary said at the forum to call her.
I'm posting this as a request from readers who want answers.
Note to Gavin Campaign: I have posted the definition of a blog at the top of the page, underneath the title. Blogs are informal, on-line journals for people with a common interest to share opinions and ideas. Blogs are not on-line newspapers, can be biased, and do not have to report "just the facts".
ReplyDeleteTransparency - non-existent in the 41st Ward. I wish someone started calling out these politicians years ago, and making them more accountable and transparent to everyone. Only during elections have we had a chance to ask questions and we still can't get answers. We need someone new in the ward office, and at this point, it could be anyone but who is there now.
ReplyDeleteDoherty could have pocketed 1.32 million dollars every year for 20 years. How would we know? We haven't had access to any information about the ward budget and how money has been spent.
ReplyDeleteThis is all completely false and it’s easy for anyone to check.
ReplyDeleteFirst, no money ever goes back to the city. If there are unspent funds at the end of a year – which often happens if city crews fall behind – then the ward keeps the money and spends it the following year. One good explanation of how the system works is a Fran Spielman article in the Sun Times on Jan 10 2010 (http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=CSTB&p_theme=cstb&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&s_dispstring=(Aldermen%20lagging%20in%20spending%20$1.3M%20)%20AND%20date(all)&p_field_advanced-0=&p_text_advanced-0=("Aldermen%20lagging%20in%20spending%20$1.3M%20")&xcal_numdocs=20&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&xcal_useweights=no)
Second, there is no $700,000. Anyone can go to the City of Chicago website, type “Aldermanic Menu Expenditures” in the search box, and will see for the 41st: “Ward Balance” of $58,122 at the end of 2007, spent in 2008; Ward Balance of $19,456 at the end of 2008, spent in 2009; and Ward Balance of $286,926 at the end of 2009, spent in 2010. http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/general/search_results.html?keyword=aldermanic+menu+expenditures
The menu budget isn't the budget Doherty was referring to in the past, when he talked about giving money back. He was referring to his office/staff budget and that he returned money from that budget. That would have been money for website maintainence, office staff to answer the phone, a satelitte office etc...
ReplyDeleteAldermen lagging in spending $1.3M
ReplyDeleteAuthor(s): Fran Spielman The Chicago Sun-Times
Date: January 21, 2010 Page: 11 Section: News Business
With incumbents everywhere in trouble and another election fast approaching, Chicago aldermen should be tripping over themselves to drain the $66 million-a-year pool that allows them to choose from a menu of street, sidewalk, alley and anti-crime improvements. Instead, 13 aldermen left at least $500,000 of their $1.32 million-a-year allotment on the table, and four closed the books on 2009 with more than $1 million unspent. Nine others failed to use from $250,000 to $500,000, records show.
The top year-end balances were recorded by 42nd Ward Ald. Brendan Reilly ($1.3 million); 46th Ward Ald. Helen Shiller ($1.15 million); 26th Ward Ald. Roberto Maldonado ($1.12 million), and 48th Ward Ald. Mary Ann Smith ($1 million).
Ald. Isaac Carothers (29th) -- who is awaiting trial on federal corruption charges and wore a wire for more than a year -- spent every cent of his menu money. Ald. Jim Balcer (11th) left only $1.
Unspent money stays in an alderman's account for future use -- but is certain to become campaign fodder for challengers charging that the ward's needs aren't being met.
Shiller said she didn't spend $1.15 million because "menus came out late" and because she is deliberate.
"I can spend the money. That's not the issue. The issue is I like to do it in a comprehensive manner," she said.
A spokesman for Reilly said the downtown alderman insists on using the money for "quality-of-life extras above and beyond" street and alley repaving that should be funded by city departments.
This spring, Reilly hopes to nearly triple the number of downtown bike lanes and clearly delineate them with a green plastic surface. But the work can't begin until the Chicago Department of Transportation completes a study.
"Could we be more aggressive? Sure. But, Brendan is cautious," the Reilly aide said.
Ald. Scott Waguespack (32nd) insisted that he put in a request to nearly exhaust his $1.32 million allotment in March -- by repaving streets and alleys and installing speed humps. But Waguespack claimed the work was never done, leaving $711,623 in his account.
"They didn't give us a reason. They just said they fell behind," Waguespack said.
City Hall acknowledged that the 2009 menu program got a late start after the $2.5 billion privatization of Midway Airport collapsed for lack of financing. Proceeds from the 99-year deal were supposed to bankroll the capital program. A replacement bond issue was approved in June.
Transportation Department spokesman Brian Steele insisted that CDOT has completed 80 percent of aldermanic street resurfacing projects and 75 percent of sidewalk requests.
Continuation of article:
ReplyDeleteSmith spent $142,001 on diagonal parking and $175,652 to help design a new Great Lakes Park. She also has used menu money to install public art under Lake Shore Drive.
Smith acknowledged that she "hoards" most of her menu money to "seed" projects that might not happen otherwise, including improving retail space in CTA Red Line stations, building dog parks and enlarging the soon-to-be-built Edgewater Library. "This is a very precious pool of money to me," she said.
In the 26th Ward, menu spending apparently got caught in the transition from veteran Ald. Billy Ocasio to replacement Ald. Roberto Maldonado (26th).
When Maldonado was appointed last summer to fill the vacancy created when Ocasio joined Gov. Quinn's staff, $2.64 million was unspent. "It was great. I was able to make my own decisions rather than have those dollars already encumbered," said Maldonado, who submitted his request for street lights, speed humps and blue-light surveillance cameras in late December.
ALDERMEN UNSPENT
Brendan Reilly (42nd) $1.3 mil.
Helen Shiller (46th) $1.15 mil.
Roberto Maldonado (26th) $1.12 mil.
Mary Ann Smith (48th) $1 mil.
Leslie Hairston (5th) $797,141
Scott Waguespack (32nd) $711,623
Ginger Rugai (19th) $704,732
Toni Foulkes (15th) $696,699
Pat Levar (45th) $681,976
Howard Brookins (21st) $609,846
Rey Colon (35th) $570,693
John Pope (10th) $539,948
Ray Suarez (31st) $507,890
I listen to alot of radio shows and I often hear the radio show moderator say that he is a talk show host and not a jounrnalist. Talk shows, like blogs are about opinions, asking questions, and learning about differnt points of view. Talk shows, blogs and opinion columns are just that - opinion.
ReplyDeleteGavin Campaign: Can you send your comments with a signature and email address?
ReplyDeleteYes, I will post a statement from the Gavin campaign
ReplyDeleteTo the moderator and bloggers: Not every one sending opinions that you deem favorable for Gavin are affiliated with the Gavin campaign. This voter was undecided until he started following this blog. While opinion is good and healthy, attacking some one's character with lies and distortions is wrong. I could care less about party "but what's right is right and what's wrong is no man's right." O'Connor lost this vote and this customer. Any one who falsely attacks the character of some one (let alone some one she called friend until her ambition blinded her) is out in my book. I don't even know Gavin and have known Mary for over 20 years and Gavin is now getting my vote. And that's my opinion.
ReplyDeleteCheck out the 19th Ward website and on-line Newspaper at the 19th Ward "ON-LINE SERVICES OFFICE"
ReplyDeletewww.the19thward.com
www.ward47.com a great website with detailed reports from the alderman
ReplyDeletehttp://ward32.org 32nd Ward Service Website
ReplyDeleteThe ward menu budget and all the projects it paid for on the ward website
That 32nd Ward website looks great and is easily navigated. Every ward in the city should be required to have something like that.
ReplyDeleteDid any one happen to catch the march 9 report on Frank Calabres JR (operation family secrets) and the mobs connections to Chicago politics. Look it up on line (fox news chicago). Relevant to 41 because Calabres jr. talks about how close the mob is to Jimmy Deleo and the 36th ward. If you all remember Deleo is the guy who stepped aside and it was O'Connor, Deleo and the 36th ward that arranged Mulroe's appointment. O'Connor also told the Sun Times Deleo is one of her biggest contributors. Voters should be aware of the candidates affiliations and connections. Whoever is elected will set up a website. I want to know who is going to pull the strings. Unless of course you think Deleo retired from every thing when he handed his seat to Mulroe.
ReplyDeleteThe roads are a major mess on the O streets S of Touhy and N or NW Hwy.
ReplyDeleteIm getting pretty disgusted in the amt of taxes we pay and our roads and alleys are crap.
I've driven on better streets in Englewood than here.
Wow, this is another very service oriented ward website: http://www.flores1stward.com
ReplyDeleteLook at the 2nd ward website - full service and even posts TRAFFIC STUDIES
ReplyDeletehttp://chiacgo2ndward.com
This ward service website is the best yet: City council reports, FULL PARTICIPITORY BUDGET information, a full array of services:
ReplyDeletewww.ward49.com
The 49th Ward has a FARMERS MARKET, too
ReplyDeleteLook at the 48ty Ward...a FULL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SECTION:
ReplyDeletewww.masmith48.org
Hey, to whoever is posting all the wards with an interactive ward service website: do us all a favor and just post the wards without a website!
ReplyDeleteOh, wait, that would be just us here in the 41st.
This ward service website from the 46th ward has a special section about PUBLIC SAFETY!
ReplyDeletewww.aldermanshiller.com
I think someone should file a lawsuit about lack of access to public/goverment services in the 41st Ward. This is unexcusable
ReplyDeleteThis is Maureen O’Brien, campaign manager for Maurita Gavin.
ReplyDeleteThe Gavin Campaign is focusing on the differences between the two candidates.
On policies – those stated by each candidate, as well as those pushed by the candidate’s backers.
And on qualifications – how much focus the candidate will bring to the job of alderman, and what relevant knowledge and experience the candidate possesses.
Rather than running against Maurita Gavin and talking about the future, our opponent seems to be running against Alderman Doherty – who is retiring.
That is her prerogative. However, in running against the departing Alderman, we do think it is important to speak the truth.
The truth is, there has been no unspent $700,000 returned to the city.
To obtain documented and sourced facts about this issue and other false rumors being spread, I encourage voters to go to the Facebook site called “41st Ward Fact Checker” (https://www.facebook.com/pages/41st-Ward-Fact-Checker/146005838795222?ref=ts).
As I said in my post a few days ago, we hope to keep this campaign focused on facts and issues. I can be reached at 41stWardforGavin@gmail.com.
Is O'Connor catering an event for the moderator for nothing?
ReplyDeleteDid the Gavin campaign thank the moderator for what? running a "citizen's blog" for O'Connor. Hey Gavin campaign: don't even engage this joke of a blog. There are a few us concerned voters that have been keeping track of many favorable Gavin blogs that have been omitted by O'Connor's supporter who runs this blog. She will be exposed.
ReplyDeleteWell, this seems to be the second false rumor started by O'Connor that the Gavin campaign has been forced to disprove (the first being that Gavin was in favor of privatization). Gavin's camp has done a good job of refuting both rumors while O'Connor's camp has not done anything whatsoever to back their accusations up.
ReplyDeleteTo 3/18 11:39 A.M.: Give O'Connor a break. She needs to sleep with some one like every one else. For her it just happens to be Deleo and his mob boys.
ReplyDeleteYou started as a progressive backing a great candidate and asking about TIF reform and so forth. What's your goal now?
ReplyDeleteTo answer this: I started this blog, not to support a candidate, but to provide a public forum to discuss general community topics and issues facing the ward. I enjoy a spirited and thoughtful debate.
As the race progressed, I supported a candidate who I thought would be a great alderman (and still do)for this community. He didn't make the run-off, but he has a natural ability to lead, and I am sure he will be tapped to enter public office in the future.
As far as the run-off candidates go, I am supporting neither one of the remaining candidates and am more than disappointed with both of them. The comments I have received indicate a race out of control being run by two candidates who are not acting in a professional manner. I have serious concerns about both of them. Many of the comments submitted for posting are not suitable to be posted.
Frankly, I'm tired of threatening & bullying comments demanding that I post inappropriate and embarassing comments that do not serve this community well.
I can't wait for this race to be over.
you aren't alone with having serious concerns about these two candidates.
ReplyDeleteI may be crazy saying this...but with how things have shaped up in this election, I wish Doherty would have ran again.
ReplyDeleteGavin- emotional, reactive, defensive, acts like a victim, doesn't know the larger issues, and worked with an alderman boss who didn't believe in communication, transparency and neglected major & minor ward problems for years.
ReplyDeleteO'Connor - weak public speaker, drops bombs and doesn't explain them, unable to articulate much beyond small business issues, and has party connection baggage.
Great choices.
The 6th Ward Service Website has a full range of topics and even a connection to FACEBOOK! The alderman posts day to day info on FACEBOOK!
ReplyDeleteSixth Ward: http://www. 6thwardalderman.com
ReplyDeleteWard 9 Service Website has a FEEDBACK section!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ward09.com
Check out the 10th Ward Service website: it has a ward DEMOGRAPHICS section!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.10thwardchicago.com
Here is the 12th Ward's website - complete with a "12th Ward Schools Section" and the entire site is bilingual...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.12thwardchicago.com
I think you've made your point. We NEED a website. Both candidates have agreed to that wholeheartedly.
ReplyDeleteAnd we need public forums & meetings, advisory committees for the schools, business development, etc, surveys, quality assurance reports, city council voting records and all budgets posted for all to see.
ReplyDeleteThis race is reminiscent of high school student council elections.
ReplyDeleteYour Tribune link doesn't work. I think it is the "www" that isn't supposed to be in it for some reason. When you remove the "www", it works.
ReplyDeleteI have also placed a call and e-mail to O'Connor's office asking for clarification. I will post if I hear back from them and I hope you do as well. It disappoints me that this election is turning into this. I just imagine how different things would be if it were a Gonzalez-Murphey runoff.
Everyone should stop crying! The 41st Ward had two great candidates to Gonzalez or Murphy. Now you have to choose between cheech and chong.
ReplyDeletewhat a mess. no wonder no one votes.
ReplyDeleteI looked at Gavins "fact checker" - only mentions the ward menu budget. No mention of the Alderman's Ward Expense Budget, because that is the budget Doherty gave back money to the city. The reason there is only one ward office in the largest ward in the city, no website and no other service amenities - Doherty gave back the money.
ReplyDeleteGavin is going to be more of the same. She hasn't come out anywhere or in any literature saying she will be any different.
any chance these two candidates will realize they are over their heads, and drop out, so we can have a real race between 2 qualified candidates?
ReplyDeleteTo 10:47, there is NO way that the money Doherty gave back would have been able to afford another office within the ward. He gave back around $7000 in 2009...that would barely cover the yearly phone/internet bill of another office not to mention the rent, payroll, supplies, etc.
ReplyDeleteShould that money have been spent on a web design team to make a highly functional and interactive website? ....well, now we're getting somewhere.
to 11:00am. Click on the link in the original post. over $32,000 was given back in 2008. Records from years past 2007- and beyond are available at the City Clerks office.
ReplyDeleteand one more thing - if you click on the link, you can see how the money was spent.
ReplyDeleteEven working with $32,000 would be tough to operate a satellite office. According to that itemized list, he spent ~$20,000 on rent for his current office. He can probably get away with around $15,000 for a satellite office. Then he has $17,000 left to work with to staff the office, pay the electric/internet/phone bills, and buy office supplies. I just don't think that is enough. And prior to 2008, the expense accounts were only around $35,000 as they were doubled my Mayor Daley in 2008 so a satellite office was out of the question before then. (http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-04-07/news/ct-met-chicago-aldermen-expenses-20100407_1_aldermen-george-cardenas-expense-accounts)
ReplyDeleteMaybe thinking outside the box like having an office in Edgebrook open only one or two days a week. That MIGHT be feasible.
At least he didn't mismanage the money like many of the other aldermen listed for himself (leasing cars, parking spaces, etc.)
There are so many empty storefronts and unused offices all over the 41st - I don't think it would have been hard to rent a desk, phone line and computer a few days a week around the ward for a few thousand - just sayin
ReplyDeletePeople: This is 2011
ReplyDeleteMany alderman post where they will be on a certain day, on their web pages, facebook pages, tweets and meet people/public at the library, coffee shops, grocery stores, and all they need is a LAP TOP Computer.
I agree money should have been spent on communication, transparency and addressing ward issues. And money could have been spent sponsoring a youth program out of the office etc.. like other alderman have been doing for years, in fact a few alderman have their youth groups write the ward newsletter.
I can not believe the 41st has no service website or any other form of communication.
Gavin's "Fact Checker" - only the "facts" they want you to know. Gimme a break. Still no transparency with ALL THE BUDGETS. Nothing will change
ReplyDeleteI can't believe we are getting this information from a blog of all places!
ReplyDeleteTo 4:43, they invite you to e-mail them if you have anything you'd like checked and I am sure they would provide sources. Ask them some tough questions and see how/if they respond.
ReplyDeleteAnyone get that flyer about O'Connor switching voting address to her business (illegally) for an election a few years ago? It said it was from "Chicago Residents for Ethical Government." Hmmmm....
A candidate for city council was doing some door-to-door campaigning, and things were going pretty well, he thought, till he came to the house of a grouchy-looking fellow. After the candidate’s little speech, the fellow said, “Vote for you? Why I’d rather vote for the Devil!”
ReplyDelete“I understand,” said the candidate, “but in case your friend is not running, may I count on your support?”
Moderator: Haven't we been "treated" to enough infomercials from candidates and their supporters like "Anonymous 7:02pm". Tell them to post this nonsense on their websites.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous 7:02 here...yes, I am most likely going to vote for Gavin but I am in no way affiliated with her campaign. I am just trying to provide some support for her as it seems like there are a lot of O'Connor backers spreading rumors on here.
ReplyDeleteI did not vote for her on Feb. 22 but I feel that she is the best we have left. So what is wrong with me posing my opinions here?
I got a flyer on my house this weekend that states that O'Connor is registered to vote at her place of business. Her place of business is in a mfg zone and that her voter registration at her place of business allowed her voting influence in allowing her business to get a liquor license.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to know if this violates any election laws by falsifying your home address when it comes to voter registration?
Anyone know?
A question came through the comments about a voter registration question regarding the candidates. I recommend the person who has the question to call the Illinois State Board Election office.
ReplyDeleteTo Anonymous 7:02am: I received your comment and don't have an objection to you supporting your candidate, but would appreciate it if you could do it in a positive manner. Feel free to resubmit your comment in a positive format for posting. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteTo 11:02, I hope someone asks her that question tomorrow at Wildwood. I would also like to ask who was behind the flyer. It says "Paid for by Chicago Residents for Ethical Government" but I could find no information about this group on the internet. Hmmmm....
ReplyDeleteSee what happens when you have 2 candidates in a runoff who know nothing about the issues - petty nonsense.
ReplyDeleteWhat's with alderman doherty office? I was there and NO ONE was there. I walked in and said, hello several times but no one answered. Are his aldermanic duties and his staff not obliged to carry on his office until April 5th.? Then in the little rooms off to the side there appeared people running back and forth and totally ignoring my presence. What gives???????
ReplyDeleteTo 8:16, when were you at the office? There has always been someone at the front desk when I have gone in there.
ReplyDeleteTwo weeks ago I needed to go to Doherty's office. I waited for over 10 minutes for someone to help me but I guess they were to busy running Gavin's campaign. Why else would I have heard "Maurita for alderman's office?". I guess Doherty couldn't help me because he was at the Emerald Isle having a snoot full. Gavin has said she will run the office (if elected which she will not be) just the same as Doherty. So that just means more of nothing being done
ReplyDeleteI voted for Maurita Gavin in the February 22 municipal election because I though she was a decent person running an above board campaign. But sadly I have discovered otherwise. I'm not a big fan of Mary O'Connor but I think I will vote for her as I have not seen any false letters coming from her office
ReplyDeleteIf i'm not mistaken Mary O'Connor got 31% of the vote in the 2-22 election and Gavin got 25%. The other candidates have given their support to O'Connor so simple math would dictate O'Connor is the winner. So everybody, let's not argue, forgot about the election and all go out for a drink
ReplyDeleteI volunteered for Maurita Gavin in the February election and did so until 3 weeks ago. I cannot begin to say the lies, deceit and dirty politics that went on in her office. So I went and volunteered at O'Connor's office and can honestly say she's running a better campaign. And I have heard absolutely nothing negative directed personally to Gavin. All this fighting and bickering on this blog won't sway the election. Peace and love to all
ReplyDelete(I won't sign my name for obvious reasons since Gavin would know me right away)
CHICAGO CITIZENS FOR ETHICAL GOVERNMENT IS JUST A SMOKE SCREEN FOR BRIAN DOHERTY AND HIS UNDERHANDED DIRTY POLITICS. I GUESS DESPERATE TIMES CALL FOR DESPERATE MEASURES, HUH BRIAN
ReplyDeleteSure you can't find anything about Chicago Citizens for ethical government because it doesn't exist. Except in Gavin and Doherty's mind
ReplyDeleteNow let's stop arguing. This will all be over in 2 weeks. Then we can all meet at Brian Doherty's office (Emerald Isle pub) for a drink and laugh about it
ReplyDeleteI wake up to all this nonensence this morning. Why are we all argueing? In two weeks the election will be over and I'm sure that shortly after that we'll all have a good laugh about our bickering. Love thy neighbor
ReplyDeleteOf course there's nothing about Chicago citizens for ethical government because there is no such person, place or thing. It was created by Gavin's people to give some sort of legitimacy to their dirty politics By the way, I live in the 45th. ward so don't accuse me of being one of O'Connor's posse
ReplyDeleteTo 10:53 and 11:00, are you guys kidding? O'Connor is running a clean campaign? She has come out with accusations of Gavin being in favor of privatization AND that Doherty gave back $700,000 to the city, both of which she never provided any facts to back them up while the Gavin camp has came out and seemingly proved them false.
ReplyDeleteDon't go putting O'Connor up on this high pedestal when it is simply not so.
reply to 10:42
ReplyDeleteI was in that office at approximately 10:45am, about 1 week ago, when NO ONE was at that front desk. or in the offices behind the front desk. I agree with you that in years past there was always someone in that office but now they are running around in the small rooms off to the side and even with that, I tried to get someones attention and it was like I was invisible. VERY STRANGE, politics going on there. Is that Gavins campaign office? Seems to be. I will be going there again soon and I am anxious to see if I will remain invisible at that ghost town office.
well we know they aren't on the computer communicating with ward constituents.
ReplyDeleteHow would we know that? No website ever.
To 5:49, Gavin's campaign office is off Higgins...there should be absolutely no politics going on in the ward office on Northwest Highway as that is paid for with city money and is to be used for governmental purposes only.
ReplyDeleteI know they, like many other departments, are forced to take furlough days, cuts, etc. but it is inexcusable to have no one at the front desk to receive constituents. Keep us posted on your return plese.
To everyone who said there was no one at the alderman's office, I agree with you. I went there today at 11AM and once again there was NO ONE at the front desk. But I did hear a lot of talking, laughing going on in the back rooms. And I did hear someone answer a phone in the back "Maurita Gavin for alderman". When someone did finally come to the front they were sporting a Gavin for alderman button. Not to worry....they will answer soon to their foolishness.
ReplyDeleteThis seems to be a common problem at Alderman Doherty's office. I too was there this morning at 11:15 and when I questioned aomeone (after 10 minutes) about the way they were answering the phone "Maurita Gavin for alderman" I was told I was just hearing things. The only thing I heard was the sound of Gavin's campaign going down the toilet.
ReplyDeleteI attended the forum tonight at Norwood Crossing, not knowing who I was going to vote for but I do now. Maurita Gavin states neither she nor any of her campaign crew knew anything about the letter that was circulated about Mary O'Connor's residency. Yet she couldn't explain why people who were seen at her office and Alderman Dougherty himself were actually caught putting these flyers in people's mailboxes, a violation of postal rules. If you don't know what your staff is doing then how can you run a ward?
ReplyDeleteI was at that forum and I heard that Gavin knew nothing about that false letter, when in fact Doherty, himself was seen by several people putting it in peoples mail boxes. (ON aldermanic time).
ReplyDeleteI too, have not quite made up my mind but after the forum when Ms. Gavin contradicts herself on several topics, it makes me wonder how she can could handle being an alderman. She claims she will keep things the same and then 20 minutes later she says she will change things??????? AND, I was shocked to hear that not one of the primary candidates is supporting her. We had some very intelligent candidates and they are supporting O'Conner. That says alot to me!
OMG !!!!!!
ReplyDeleteIF ANYONE SAW CHANNEL 11 TONIGHT, GAVIN WAS A JOKE! THE VERY FIRST QUESTION WAS, WHAT ARE YOUR QUALIFICATIONS? MARY O'CONNER GAVE A VERY DISCRIPT DEFINITION OF WHAT MAKES HER THE BEST CANDIDATE WITH GREAT DETAIL. THEN GAVIN SAYS HER QUALIFICATIONS ARE; "INTEGRITY AND CHARACTER" AND THEN PROCEEDED ON TO ATTACK MARY O'CONNER ON ALL COUNTS WITH LIES! SHE NEVER ONCE GAVE ANY QUALIFICATIONS THAT WOULD MAKE HER A GOOD CHOICE. I WONDER IF SHE REALIZES THAT INTEGRITY AND CHARACTER ARE ATTRIBUTED TO YOU NOT ASSUMED BY YOU? OH GAVIN YOU CAME ACROSS SO POORLY. MAYBE IT IS JUST DESPERATION.
not surprised the Gavin people need to have the definition of blog explained to them - they aren't to tech savy. No experience with modern day technology.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI also received a "41st Ward Neighborhood News" flyer...in my mailbox.
ReplyDeleteThis is illegal and I am filing a complaint with the post office....I'm guessing this was from Gavin's group, but it is labeled Chicago Residents for Ethical Government. Really? I also keep getting calls from O'Connor's pollsters on my wife's pay-as-you-go cellphone. I don't need anyone telling me how to vote, nor do I pay attention to mudslingers. Really tired of the political hacks.
What I find amusing is Gavin vehemently denied that she nor anyone connected with her campaign knows anything about the flyers regarding Mary O'Connor being circulated in the neighborhood. BUT Brian Doherty was seen putting these in the mailboxes from Harlem to Nagle, Gunnison to Bryn Mawr. I had planned on voting for her but after catching her in this bold face lie I wouldn't vote for her for dog catcher.
ReplyDeleteOf course Gavin and her group knows all about the flyers. Why were her sons seen passing them out? And if she respons that she doesn't know what all her workers do, then how can she run the 41st. (which she won't have a chance to do anyway)
ReplyDeleteI caught Brian Doherty putting that O'Connor flyer in my mailbox and when I asked him about it he claimed to not know what it really contained since he never read it. P L E A S E!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI have been waiting to vote since I wanted to study all the issues and pick the right candidate. Couldn't decide until attending the last forum at Taft HS. Gavin denies knowing anything about the Mary O'Connor flyers but her sons and Brian Doherty were caught putting them in mailboxes, a clear violation. I caught another man putting one on my front porch and when I asked him who he works for he said he volunteers for Gavin. She lies about this so what else is she lying about? I also caught her in a bunch of lies, too numerous to list. This is breaking my heart since I have been a life-long Republican that now in good conscience has to vote for Mary O'Connor. This is a very said day
ReplyDeleteI think Maurita Gavin needs to send Brian Doherty out of the country until well after this election is over if she wants any chance of winning this He is a detriment to her. If he couldn't even deliver his own ward in the election between him and John Mulroe how can he deliver it for Gavin?
ReplyDeleteGavin and her supporters are nothing but a bunch of kindergarten, immature, tantrum throwing crying bullies. Gavin herself went to the Shell gas station on Harlem and Higgins and told the manager that if he didn't remove the Mary O'Connor sign on the fence she nor any of her supporters would buy gas there. This is true as I work there part-time and overheard the conversation. Cry-baby Maurita. You just lost my vote
ReplyDeleteWhy was I at doherty's office this morning and there was NO ONE at the front desk or seemingly in the office. Then I found out why...they were campaigning for Gavin. I distinctly heard someone answer the phone "Gavin for alderman" Shame on you brian. Using taxpayer money for Maurita's campaign
ReplyDelete4 days from now the election will be over and Gepetto (Doherty) and Pinocchio (Gavin) will be unemployed. Maybe then things will get done in the 41st ward.
ReplyDeleteI guess the false flyers about Mary O'Connor didn't work so now Gavin is trying another lie. Saying that Mary O'Connor doesn't pay property takes. Yes it's true but only because SHE DOESN'T OWN PROPERTY. She rents a house and she doesn't own the building her business is located in. This is really pitiful on Gavin's part. I guess when you're desperate you'll do anything. Hey Maurita, maybe wednesday morning you can see Mary O'Connor about a job since you'll be unemployed
ReplyDeleteCheck this out! Higgins and Harlem Shell station had a Mary O'Conner sign. Not anymore.
ReplyDeleteMaurita went there herself, and threatened the owner that if he did not remove it, she and her workers would not buy gas there anymore.
How illegal is that to threaten someone?
DIRTY POLITICS IS YOUR MOTTO !
Talk about dirty politics...why was Brian Doherty seen yet AGAIN passing out untrue flyers about Mary O'Connor? I thought he was the alderman, not Gavin's pit bull. Bow wow Brian
ReplyDeleteI work for the corporate offices of Shell in Illinois and I probably shouldn't be saying this but what the heck, it's anonymous. Maurita Gavin and Brian Doherty BOTH called Shell and threatened if the signs were not taken down there would be payback, either while Brian is still alderman and/or when Maurita is elected, which hopefully won't happen given her uppity attitude when calling us
ReplyDeleteDESPERATE TIMES CALL FOR DESPERATE MEASURES - and this is exactly what Maurita is doing. First she swears up and down at the Norwood Crossing forum that neither her nor her staff knew ANYTHING about the flyers circulated re: Mary O'Connor when all of a sudden last week Doherty admits to being behind the whole thing. When that didn't work he started another rumor that Mary didn't pay property taxes for several years - how can she when she doesn't even own property. You are very sad Maurita and I hope you get professional help. You will have a lot of time after tuesday since you will be unemployed. And shame on you Brian Doherty. The only thing you care about is getting a snoot full at Emerald Isle.
ReplyDeleteI'm having trouble picking myself up from the floor as I am laughing so hard. Maurita Gavin pulled every low-down dirty trick in the book and still Mary O'Connor beat her. And she didn't even have the decency to call Mary and congratulate her. What a poor sport. Hey Maurita, the address of the unemployment office is 4932 Diversey
ReplyDeleteIt's a great day for the 41st ward - the best candidate won despite all the lies and backstabbing from the other one. FINALLY Doherty and his whole posse will be history. Things will get done for EVERYONE, not only for the friends of the village idiots - Doherty and Gavin
ReplyDeleteThe best candidate DID NOT win. Mary O'Connor talks a good game but trust me, she will fail to deliver. She says whatever you want to hear, talks through both sides of her mouth, lies, and tells everyone things will be better with her as alderman but just wait and see.....the only people she will do for is her close friends and all those that cheated and steal to get her in office.
ReplyDeleteI cannot wait until Mary O'Connor takes office so I can say I told you so. The only thing she has proved is that she is a big liar. All you idiots who voted for her will be very very sorry.
ReplyDeleteI still cannot believe Maurita Gavin didn't win. I am so heartsick. Mary O'Connor will do for her friends and campaign contributors. The 41st ward will be in a big fat mess. Now what happens to Maurita and her staff?
ReplyDeleteYou really care! You need not be heartsick! Maurita will be just fine. You need not worry about her.
ReplyDeleteMary O'Conner is the best person for alderman, and we all know that. She is NOT a liar nor a gossip, nor a back stabber like some. She has a great staff of highly intelligent people working with her and this ward will be better than ever, and I think you know that, as well.